How long does a cat tick live? - briefly
A cat tick usually survives for approximately two to three weeks in its adult stage, with longevity influenced by temperature and host access. Eggs hatch within one to two weeks, and the immature stages progress to adulthood before the adult lifespan ends.
How long does a cat tick live? - in detail
The lifespan of a tick that parasitises felines varies with species, environmental temperature, humidity, and host availability. Under optimal conditions (warm, humid climate) the complete life cycle—from egg to adult and subsequent reproduction—may be completed within one year. In cooler or drier regions the cycle can extend to two or three years, with each developmental stage persisting longer.
Adult female ticks attach to a cat, feed for several days, then detach to lay thousands of eggs in the environment. After oviposition, eggs hatch into larvae within one to two weeks. Larvae seek a host, feed for 3–5 days, then drop off to molt into nymphs. Nymphs feed for 4–7 days before molting into adults. Each active stage (larva, nymph, adult) can survive several months without a host if conditions remain moist.
Typical duration of each stage:
- Egg incubation: 1–2 weeks.
- Larval attachment: 3–5 days; off‑host survival: up to 2 months.
- Nymphal attachment: 4–7 days; off‑host survival: up to 3 months.
- Adult female attachment: 5–10 days; off‑host survival: up to 6 months.
- Adult male attachment: 3–5 days; off‑host survival: up to 4 months.
Consequently, an adult tick may remain alive for 6–12 months after its final blood meal, with the total lifespan from egg to death ranging from 12 months in favorable climates to 24–36 months in less hospitable environments. Regular grooming and environmental control reduce the likelihood of prolonged tick survival on cats.