In order to evaluate the effects of the short blade locations on the anti-cavitation performance of the splitter-bladed inducer and the pump, 5 inducers with different short blade locations are designed. Cavitation simulations and experimental tests of the pumps with these inducers are carried out. The algebraic slip mixture model in the CFX software is adopted for cavitation simulation. The results show that there is a vortex at the inlet of the inducer. Asymmetric cavitation on the inducer and on the impeller is observed. The analysis shows that the short blade locations have a minor effect on the internal flow field in the inducer and on the external performance of the pump, but have a significant effect on the anti-cavitation performance. It is suggested that the inducer should be designed appropriately. The present simulations found an optimal inducer with better anti-cavitation performance. (C) 2015 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press. All rights reserved.