What happens to a cat after a tick bite? - briefly
A tick attachment often causes redness, swelling, and potential infection at the bite site, and it may transmit pathogens such as Borrelia or Ehrlichia. Immediate removal and veterinary evaluation are necessary to prevent complications.
What happens to a cat after a tick bite? - in detail
A tick attaches to the cat’s skin, inserts its mouthparts, and begins feeding on blood. The bite site usually becomes a small, raised nodule that may be red or slightly inflamed. Immediate local reactions include itching, tenderness, and occasional swelling.
Systemic effects can develop within days to weeks:
- Fever or lethargy, indicating an inflammatory response.
- Loss of appetite, often linked to discomfort.
- Signs of anemia such as pale gums, especially after prolonged feeding by multiple ticks.
- Neurological symptoms, including tremors or uncoordinated movements, may signal transmission of pathogens like Borrelia (Lyme disease) or Anaplasma.
- Joint pain or stiffness, typical of tick‑borne rickettsial infections.
Potential disease transmission:
- Lyme disease: can cause kidney dysfunction, lameness, and chronic fatigue.
- Ehrlichiosis: may lead to fever, weight loss, and immune suppression.
- Cytauxzoonosis: a severe, often fatal protozoal infection characterized by rapid onset of high fever, icterus, and respiratory distress.
Diagnostic steps:
- Visual inspection of the attachment site; removal with fine tweezers, ensuring the head is fully extracted.
- Blood tests for serology or PCR to identify specific pathogens.
- Complete blood count to assess anemia or leukopenia.
Treatment protocols:
- Immediate removal of the tick, followed by topical antiseptic application.
- Administration of broad‑spectrum antibiotics, such as doxycycline, to address bacterial infections.
- Supportive therapy, including fluid replacement and anti‑inflammatory drugs, to manage fever and pain.
- Specific antiparasitic medication for Cytauxzoon infection, often combined with supportive care.
Prevention measures:
- Regular use of veterinarian‑approved tick preventatives (collars, spot‑on treatments, oral medications).
- Routine grooming and inspection, especially after outdoor activity.
- Maintenance of the environment: mowing grass, removing leaf litter, and limiting wildlife access to the yard.
Prompt identification and appropriate veterinary intervention significantly reduce the risk of severe complications following a tick bite.