In almost all cases of FIA, the cat has encountered another disease or another form of stress. Diagnosis of this disease is made from a blood sample. If the cat is anemic and large numbers of H. felis are present, the diagnosis of FIA is made. Unfortunately, H. felis is not always present on the cat's red blood cells because it appears in the blood stream in cycles. If FIA is suspected, it may be necessary to examine several blood samples before H. felis is identified.
Treatment is relatively simple and generally successful.
Oral medications that suppress H. felis are used for several weeks. If the cat is severely anemic, a blood transfusion may be needed. Since the drugs only suppress H. felis and do not completely rid the cat of it, FIA may occur again.