How does a tick bite affect a cat? - briefly
A tick attachment may introduce pathogens such as Babesia, Ehrlichia, or Anaplasma, causing fever, anemia, lethargy, joint pain, and localized skin irritation. Prompt removal and veterinary assessment are necessary to prevent serious illness.
How does a tick bite affect a cat? - in detail
Ticks attach to a cat’s skin for several days to feed on blood, creating a focal point of irritation. The bite site typically shows erythema, swelling, and a small ulcer if the mouthparts are left embedded. Mechanical trauma may lead to secondary bacterial infection, especially if the cat scratches the area.
Systemic consequences arise from pathogen transmission and toxin release. Common tick‑borne agents affecting felines include:
- «Babesia felis» – intracellular parasite causing hemolytic anemia, fever, lethargy.
- «Ehrlichia canis» (occasionally infects cats) – results in thrombocytopenia, weight loss, splenomegaly.
- «Anaplasma phagocytophilum» – produces neutropenia, joint pain, occasional respiratory distress.
- «Borrelia burgdorferi» (Lyme disease) – may cause lameness, kidney involvement, chronic inflammation.
- Tick‑produced neurotoxin – can induce progressive paralysis, beginning in hind limbs and advancing to respiratory failure if untreated.
Diagnosis relies on visual identification of the arthropod, examination of the bite region, and laboratory testing (PCR, serology, complete blood count) to detect specific infections or blood‑cell abnormalities.
Effective treatment follows a three‑step protocol:
- Remove the tick with fine‑pointed tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible, pulling steadily without twisting to avoid mouthpart rupture.
- Apply a topical or systemic acaricide approved for felines to eliminate remaining ectoparasites and reduce reinfestation risk.
- Initiate pathogen‑directed therapy: antiprotozoal agents for babesiosis, doxycycline for ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis, supportive care (fluid therapy, blood transfusion) for severe anemia, and antitoxin or respiratory support for paralysis cases.
Prevention hinges on regular application of veterinarian‑recommended tick preventatives, routine grooming to detect early attachment, and environmental control (trimmed grass, acaricide‑treated zones). Vaccination against Lyme disease is available in some regions and may lower infection risk. Continuous monitoring and prompt intervention minimize morbidity and mortality associated with tick bites in cats.