What happens if you don’t remove a tick from a cat? - briefly
A tick left attached can transmit bacterial or protozoal pathogens (e.g., «Bartonella», «Ehrlichia») and cause local inflammation, anemia, or secondary skin infection. Prompt removal eliminates these health risks and prevents systemic illness.
What happens if you don’t remove a tick from a cat? - in detail
Ticks attached to a cat can cause immediate tissue damage. The mouthparts embed in the skin, producing a puncture wound that often becomes inflamed, swollen, and painful. Secondary bacterial infection may develop if the wound is not cleaned promptly.
Pathogen transmission is the principal risk of a retained tick. Common agents include:
- Bartonella henselae – agent of cat‑scratch disease
- Rickettsia spp. – causes spotted fever‑type illnesses
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum – leads to granulocytic anaplasmosis
- Babesia spp. – results in hemolytic anemia
- Borrelia burgdorferi – Lyme disease complex
These microorganisms are introduced when the tick feeds, and they may disseminate to the bloodstream, producing fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and organ‑specific signs such as jaundice or neurologic deficits.
Prolonged attachment can trigger systemic effects beyond infection. Chronic blood loss from the feeding site may cause iron‑deficiency anemia, especially in small or geriatric cats. Persistent inflammation can lead to hypersensitivity reactions, manifested as pruritus or dermatitis at distant skin sites.
Long‑term consequences include chronic infection with potential relapse after apparent recovery, and immune‑mediated disorders such as hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia. In severe cases, multi‑organ failure may ensue, reducing survival prospects.
Timely removal by a veterinarian or trained caregiver eliminates the feeding source, reduces pathogen transmission, and allows assessment of wound condition. Proper technique involves grasping the tick close to the skin with fine forceps and applying steady traction to avoid mouthpart rupture. Post‑removal monitoring includes inspection for residual attachment, wound cleaning, and, when indicated, diagnostic testing for tick‑borne diseases.