What are the causes of a high neutrophil count in cats?

Inflammation and infection are the causes of high neutrophils (white blood cells) in cats. The neutrophils eat 'enemy' cells like a little Pac-man, and die off after a day.

Tooth and kidney infections or cancers are common causes of high counts in older cats. Your veterinarian's review of the other items in the blood and urine tests can help determine which antibiotic or course of treatment will work best. Often it is as simple as a week-long course of Amoxicillan twice a day (the same bubble-gum pink stuff you got yourself as a kid).

A low neutrophil count is often a sign of leukemia, since the cat's body is not replenishing its daily supply of neutrophils. The cat will be more susceptible to infections of all types and will not be able to fight it off like normal.