This study aims to determine the comparative haematological parameters and to check possible physiological changes among blood parameters of domestic cats living at high- and low-altitude regions of China. For this purpose, blood samples were randomly collected from healthy semi-long-haired Tonkinese cats in Tibet (high altitude) and Zhejiang (low altitude) regions of China. The results of present study showed that RBCs, HGB, MCH and MCHC values of Tibetan Tonkinese cats were significantly (p < .01) higher as compared to Zhejiang Tonkinese cats. However, MCV values of Tibetan Tonkinese cats were significantly lower (p < .01) as compared to Zhejiang cats. In addition, there was no significant difference among HCT values of both Tibetan and Zhejiang cats. Therefore, it was concluded that Tibetan cats had adapted the high-altitude environment of Tibet by acquiring high concentration of RBCs, HGB, MCH and MCHC, while decreased concentration of MCV content in their blood. This is the first report describing the comparative haematological parameters of Tibetan and Zhejiang Tonkinese cats living at high and low altitudes, respectively. This study provides reference values of the different blood parameters, which can be used as an important marker for the diagnosis of various diseases and utilizing in further animal research.
Keywords: Tibetan cats; Zhejiang cats; altitudes; blood; variations.