What diseases can cats contract from a tick bite? - briefly
Cats can acquire several tick‑borne infections, such as feline ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia spp.), anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum), babesiosis (Babesia spp.), and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (Rickettsia rickettsii).
What diseases can cats contract from a tick bite? - in detail
Cats that are bitten by ticks may acquire several infectious agents. The most clinically relevant include:
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum – causes feline granulocytic anaplasmosis. Fever, lethargy, joint pain, and occasional pancytopenia occur. Diagnosis relies on PCR or serology; doxycycline for 2–4 weeks is effective.
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Ehrlichia spp. – mainly E. canis and E. chaffeensis. Symptoms comprise fever, weight loss, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. PCR and serologic testing confirm infection; doxycycline is the treatment of choice.
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Babesia felis – a protozoan parasite producing hemolytic anemia, icterus, and splenomegaly. Blood smear examination reveals intra‑erythrocytic parasites; PCR provides definitive identification. Imidocarb or a combination of azithromycin and atovaquone is recommended.
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Cytauxzoon felis – highly pathogenic, leading to rapid onset of fever, hemolytic anemia, and multi‑organ failure. Diagnosis via blood smear or PCR. Aggressive therapy with azithromycin plus atovaquone improves survival; supportive care is essential.
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Hepatozoon felis – transmitted when a cat ingests an infected tick. Clinical picture includes fever, lymphadenopathy, and muscular pain. Diagnosis through PCR or histopathology; trimethoprim‑sulfamethoxazole or clindamycin are used.
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Borrelia burgdorferi – Lyme‑like disease in felines is rare but possible. Signs may involve lameness, fever, and kidney involvement. Serology and PCR aid detection; doxycycline administered for several weeks is standard.
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Rickettsia spp. – Rocky Mountain spotted fever and related rickettsioses can manifest as fever, cutaneous lesions, and neurologic signs. Diagnosis by serology or PCR; doxycycline remains first‑line therapy.
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Tick‑borne encephalitis virus – extremely uncommon in cats; neurological deficits such as ataxia and seizures may appear. Diagnosis through serology; no specific antiviral treatment, supportive care required.
Each disease presents with overlapping systemic signs—fever, lethargy, weight loss, hematologic abnormalities—making laboratory confirmation indispensable. Prompt identification through PCR, serology, or microscopic examination guides appropriate antimicrobial or antiparasitic regimens, which typically involve doxycycline, azithromycin, atovaquone, or imidocarb, depending on the pathogen.
Prevention hinges on regular ectoparasite control. Effective products include topical spot‑on formulations, oral isoxazoline compounds, and collar‑based acaricides. Environmental management—removing tall grass, maintaining low vegetation, and inspecting outdoor cats for attached ticks—reduces exposure risk.
Early detection and targeted therapy markedly improve outcomes for feline patients afflicted by tick‑borne infections.