What can happen to a cat after a tick bite? - briefly
A tick bite can trigger local irritation, swelling, and secondary infection, and may also transmit pathogens such as Borrelia, Ehrlichia, or Anaplasma, resulting in fever, lethargy, or anemia. Prompt veterinary evaluation and removal of the ectoparasite reduce the risk of complications.
What can happen to a cat after a tick bite? - in detail
Ticks attach to a cat’s skin for several days to feed on blood, creating a portal for pathogens and toxins. The bite site often shows erythema, swelling, or a small ulcer, and may become secondarily infected if bacteria enter the wound.
Systemic conditions transmitted by ticks include:
- Anaplasmosis – fever, lethargy, and thrombocytopenia.
- Ehrlichiosis – weight loss, anemia, and joint pain.
- Cytauxzoonosis – rapid onset of high fever, icterus, and respiratory distress; mortality can exceed 70 % without aggressive therapy.
- Babesiosis – hemolytic anemia, pale mucous membranes, and dark urine.
- Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) – lameness, kidney dysfunction, and intermittent fever.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever – petechial rash, neurological signs, and severe headache.
- Bartonellosis – localized lymphadenopathy and intermittent fever.
- Tularemia – sudden fever, enlarged spleen, and respiratory involvement.
In addition to infectious agents, prolonged attachment can cause tick paralysis. Salivary neurotoxins interfere with neuromuscular transmission, leading to progressive weakness, ataxia, and potentially respiratory failure. Removal of the tick usually reverses symptoms within 24–48 hours.
Key clinical signs to watch for after a bite:
- Persistent fever or temperature spikes.
- Lethargy, reduced activity, or unwillingness to climb.
- Loss of appetite or weight loss.
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in water consumption.
- Pale or icteric gums indicating anemia or liver involvement.
- Swollen joints, limping, or reluctance to move.
- Neurological abnormalities such as tremors, unsteady gait, or difficulty breathing.
Prompt removal of the tick with fine-point tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling steadily, reduces the risk of pathogen transmission. After extraction, disinfect the area with a mild antiseptic and monitor the cat for the symptoms listed above. If any systemic signs develop, veterinary evaluation is required; diagnostic tests may include blood smears, PCR panels, and serology, while treatment typically involves doxycycline or other appropriate antibiotics, supportive fluids, and, when necessary, antitoxin therapy for paralysis. Regular use of ectoparasite preventatives diminishes future exposure and protects overall feline health.