What are the signs that a cat has been bitten by a tick? - briefly
Look for a small, engorged tick attached near the head, ears, or neck and for localized redness, swelling, or a scab at the bite site; other signs include excessive scratching, lethargy, reduced appetite, or fever.
What are the signs that a cat has been bitten by a tick? - in detail
Ticks attach to a cat’s skin and feed for several days. During this period the animal often shows distinct physical and behavioral cues.
A visible engorged tick may be seen as a small, dark, raised lump, usually near the head, ears, neck, armpits, or between the toes. The tick’s body enlarges as it fills with blood, turning from brown to a grayish‑blue hue. If the parasite is removed prematurely, the mouthparts may remain embedded, leaving a tiny puncture that can become inflamed.
Common external signs include:
- Localized swelling or redness around the attachment site.
- A small, raised nodule that may feel warm to the touch.
- Crusting or scabbing if the cat scratches or bites the area.
- Presence of a thin, translucent membrane (the tick’s shell) after the creature drops off.
Systemic indicators often appear after the tick has been attached for several days:
- Sudden lethargy or reduced activity.
- Loss of appetite or difficulty eating.
- Fever, manifesting as a higher-than‑normal body temperature.
- Pale or bluish gums, suggesting anemia from blood loss.
- Unexplained weight loss over weeks.
- Joint pain or stiffness, sometimes observed as reluctance to jump or climb.
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or increased thirst, which can signal infection with tick‑borne pathogens such as Bartonella, Anaplasma, or Ehrlichia.
Veterinary examination may reveal additional findings:
- Elevated white blood cell count indicating inflammation.
- Positive serology or PCR tests for specific tick‑transmitted diseases.
- Microscopic identification of tick remnants in skin scrapings.
Early detection relies on regular grooming checks, especially after outdoor exposure. Removing a tick with fine tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight out, reduces the risk of disease transmission. If any of the described signs appear, prompt veterinary assessment is essential to prevent complications.