PETALING JAYA: It often begins with frantic phone calls, unanswered messages and a desperate race against time.
For many pet owners, finding blood for a critically ill animal can be an ordeal, with no readily available blood bank and donations often dependent on informal networks and the goodwill of other owners.
For Dania Zaqira, the crisis came without warning when her cat suddenly required an urgent blood transfusion.
“I spent hours calling clinics and messaging people in pet groups, asking if anyone had a suitable donor.
“There was no structured donor system. I didn’t even know where to begin,” she said, recalling one of the most stressful nights of her life.
Help eventually came from a stranger with a compatible cat, but the experience left her shaken.
A similar sense of urgency gripped C. Raja when his dog needed blood following a serious accident.
“We were told it had to be done quickly. There wasn’t a proper system in place. Everything depended on finding another dog owner willing to help,” he said.
Although a donor was eventually found through a veterinary network, Raja described the process as chaotic and emotionally draining.
Yet behind these emergencies is a quiet network of animal donors helping to save lives.
Among them is cat shelter operator Mohammad Azizul Abd Aziz, whose efforts were inspired by tragedy.
Two years ago, his cat Latte, died after suffering from several illnesses, including feline infectious peritonitis.
It was only afterwards that he learnt a blood transfusion might have improved her chances of survival.
The 38-year-old, who cares for more than 70 cats, now manages a donor database called MeowMatch, which tracks donor records, recipients and blood screening information to help connect owners with suitable donors during emergencies.
“Realising how critical the need is, I started the database so we are always ready when emergencies happen,” he said.
According to Mohammad Azizul, healthy cats can generally donate blood once every three to four months.
Two of his own cats, Ben and Billy, have each donated blood four times.
He stressed that blood donation should only be carried out at veterinary clinics or animal hospitals equipped with proper facilities and trained personnel.
“During the procedure, cats are usually given a light sedative so they remain calm. Blood is normally collected from the jugular vein because it provides a faster flow.
“Afterwards, they may be a little drowsy or tired, but most return to their normal selves within 24 hours,” he said.
The cost of a transfusion can range from RM400 to RM2,000, depending on the clinic and treatment.
Veterinarian Dr Aida Mohd Hashim, who owns a clinic in Subang Jaya and has five cats that regularly donate blood, said transfusions have become a vital part of treating critically ill feline patients.
“We handle referral cases regularly and perform about three transfusions a month on average. We are very familiar with the protocols,” she said.
She acknowledged that experiences vary from cat to cat.
Aida recalled one donor cat, Oscar, who helped save the lives of several other cats through repeated donations before later succumbing due to his unexpected weak recovery.
“Three months before his passing, his heart scans showed nothing abnormal. Unfortunately, a hidden heart disease developed later,” she said.
But complications are rare, said Aida, adding that responsible blood donation remains a safe and invaluable way to save the lives of critically ill cats.
For pet sitter Wazlina Wahab, whose cat has donated blood twice, the experience has reinforced the importance of animal donors.
“Of course, I was worried at first, but once I understood that the process is safe and can help save other animals, I became supportive,” she said.
“All the costs are borne by the owner of the sick cat. Some have even offered me extra money, but I consider it charity.”
Even rabbits have played a role.
Mutiaah Munira Zamri once allowed her rabbit to donate blood at an exotic animal clinic.
“I didn’t even realise rabbits could donate blood before that. The vets were extremely careful because of how delicate they are,” she said.
As more owners come forward to donate, advocates hope greater awareness and more organised donor networks will reduce the panic many pet owners face when every minute counts.
