What does a tick cause in cats? - briefly
«Tick bites can transmit blood‑borne pathogens, leading to anemia, fever, and diseases such as cytauxzoonosis, ehrlichiosis, or babesiosis.» «They also cause local skin irritation, inflammation, and possible secondary infections.»
What does a tick cause in cats? - in detail
Ticks attach to a cat’s skin and feed on blood, introducing a range of health problems. The primary consequences include:
« Dermatitis and local irritation » – the bite site often becomes red, swollen, and itchy. Secondary bacterial infection may develop if the cat scratches the area.
« Anemia » – prolonged feeding by multiple ticks can lead to a measurable drop in red blood cell count, especially in young or debilitated animals.
« Pathogen transmission » – ticks act as vectors for several infectious agents, such as:
- Bartonella henselae – causes cat‑scratch disease and can produce fever, lethargy, and lymphadenopathy.
- Rickettsia spp. – may result in fever, joint pain, and skin lesions.
- Anaplasma and Ehrlichia – produce signs of fever, weight loss, and immune suppression.
« Neurological signs » – rare but documented cases involve tick‑borne encephalitis, presenting with tremors, ataxia, or seizures.
« Immune‑mediated disorders » – tick saliva contains immunomodulatory substances that can trigger allergic reactions or exacerbate conditions such as eosinophilic granuloma.
Prompt removal of attached ticks and veterinary evaluation are essential to prevent progression. Diagnostic steps typically involve physical examination, complete blood count, and specific serologic or PCR tests for suspected pathogens. Treatment may combine topical or systemic acaricides, antibiotics targeting bacterial agents, and supportive care for anemia or neurological involvement. Regular use of approved tick preventatives reduces the risk of infestation and associated disease transmission.