If a tick is not removed from a cat, what will happen? - briefly
Leaving a tick attached to a cat can transmit pathogens, cause skin irritation, and lead to anemia. Serious complications may include Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and localized infection.
If a tick is not removed from a cat, what will happen? - in detail
A tick left attached to a cat can cause several health problems. The parasite feeds on blood, enlarging the feeding site and creating a wound that may become infected. Bacterial invasion, especially from Staphylococcus or Streptococcus species, can lead to cellulitis, abscess formation, or systemic infection.
Blood loss from prolonged feeding is usually minor, but in young, small, or anemic cats the cumulative loss may contribute to weakness or anemia. The tick’s saliva contains anticoagulants and immunomodulatory proteins that suppress local immune responses, increasing the risk of secondary infection.
Pathogen transmission is the most serious consequence. Ticks are vectors for a range of agents, including:
- Bartonella henselae – feline Bartonellosis, causing fever, lymphadenopathy, and ocular disease.
- Rickettsia spp. – spotted fever group infections, presenting with fever, lethargy, and vasculitis.
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum – granulocytic anaplasmosis, producing fever, joint pain, and thrombocytopenia.
- Babesia spp. – babesiosis, leading to hemolytic anemia, jaundice, and renal failure.
If the tick remains attached for several days, the likelihood of pathogen transfer rises sharply. Once transmitted, the disease may manifest within hours to weeks, depending on the organism.
Additional complications include allergic reactions to tick saliva, which can cause localized swelling, itching, or systemic hypersensitivity. In rare cases, tick paralysis may develop, characterized by progressive muscle weakness and ataxia, potentially resulting in respiratory failure if untreated.
Prompt removal eliminates the feeding wound, reduces infection risk, and prevents disease transmission. Veterinary inspection after removal is advisable to assess the bite site, perform tick identification, and initiate appropriate treatment if any pathogen exposure is suspected.