Published: 19 Jun 2024 | Last Updated: 19 Jun 2024 14:56:43

 In celebration of the 20^th anniversary of World Blood Donor Day and 20 years since the Royal Veterinary College’s (RVC) Blood Donor Programme was launched, we crowned two pet owners with ‘Lifetime Achievement Awards’ for their significant contributions over the past two decades. The Feline Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed to Catherine Kendall, a Registered Veterinary Nurse at the RVC from Stevenage. Catherine has been an exemplary participant in the Blood Donor Programme since 2007. Catherine has had six cats and five dogs in the programme with some still donating today, collectively making over 114 donations and helping approximately 150 animals in need. With pets like, Stevie and Stanley still on the programme Catherine hopes to help even more animals for years to come. Here, Catherine shares her story with us:

How did you get involved with the RVC Blood Donor Programme?

"I am a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN), and one of the first Continuing Professional Development (CPD) days I attended after qualifying focused on blood transfusions, which I found interesting. The speaker was from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and mentioned they were looking for cat blood donors.

In 2007, I accepted a job at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA) and quickly signed up my two cats, Poirot and Fleur, for the Blood Donor Programme. Working at QMHA, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial blood products are. As an animal lover, I’ve always wanted to help, which is why all my cats (and dogs) have been or are blood donors. I am sure my future pets will continue this legacy if they have the right temperament.’’

Can you tell us about your cats that have been part of the programme?

Poirot and Fleur

"Poirot and Fleur were kittens that had been abandoned at different times and brought into the practice where I worked in 2005. When they started donating in 2007, cat blood donations were only collected on an 'as needed' basis, and cats were sedated for donations. I often brought them in during or after shifts whenever there was a feline inpatient needing blood. Together, Poirot and Fleur made 24 donations. Towards their retirement, we began non-sedated donations, and they participated in a few of these before retiring.’’

Sevie and Jaffa

"In 2013, Sevie and Jaffa joined our family from Cats Protection and joined the Blood Donor Programme when they were one year old. During a routine pre-donation check, a heart murmur was detected in Sevie. The Blood Donor team arranged a heart scan leading to a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and Sevie was subsequently retired from the programme. Sadly, a few years later, Sevie developed an aortic thromboembolism and had to be put to sleep. Jaffa was unaffected and continued to donate blood, becoming the 'test' cat for a new system that allows feline blood donations to be stored for future use. Jaffa retired at age 10 after 24 donations.’’

Stevie and Stanley

"Stevie and Stanley are the newest recruits, joining the Blood Donor Programme in 2022. Stevie is a sassy little minx who requires some extra encouragement in the form of his favourite treats, while Stanley is more aloof but loves a cuddle. The blood donor nurses tailor their approach to each cat to ensure a positive experience for every donor.’’ 

How does it feel to win the Feline Lifetime Achievement Award?

"I was shocked and surprised to find out we had won the Lifetime Achievement Award. My animals all love coming into the hospital to donate, and it is not something I give a second thought about. If any of my animals ever need blood, I would want it to be available, and this is the only way to achieve that.

“My cat Fleur, who was also a blood donor, was unwell and was treated at the QMHA. She needed serum eye drops to treat an eye ulcer which were available thanks to the Blood Donor Programme. So, I know first-hand how essential the service is and how valuable every donation is.’’

How does it feel knowing your animals have helped save the lives of other pets?

"Receiving messages from owners whose pets were saved by my animals' donations is incredibly heartwarming. It's touching to hear how much of a difference the blood has made not only to their pets but also to their families. I often feel choked up reading these messages, whether they are sent directly to me or included in hospital-wide appreciation letters and thank-you cards.’’

What would you say to others thinking about signing their pet up as a blood donor?

"If you’re considering signing your pet up as a blood donor, what do you have to lose?

The Blood Donor team first meets with you and your pet to ensure everyone is comfortable with the process and to check if your pet is suitable. They won’t push a nervous animal to donate, and many owners are surprised at how relaxed their pets become in the donor room. Treats and food are plentiful and often help clinch the deal for the donors! For instance, Stevie once jumped onto the shelves to explore the room and knocked everything over, but the team was happy to see she was relaxed.’’ 

Our thanks to Catherine for her ongoing support of the RVC Blood Donor Programme.

The RVC Animal Care Trust funds both vital equipment and research to support the RVC Blood Donor service. To celebrate the 20th birthday of the programme and expand this essential service, we have launched an appeal to raise £150,000 for new facilities. If you think your pet could be a blood donor superhero or if you wish to support the Blood Donor Appeal, please

visit: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/act/support-us/pet-blood-donor-appeal.