What happens to a cat with a tick? - briefly
A tick attaches to the cat’s skin, feeds on its blood, and may transmit pathogens that cause anemia, fever, or other illnesses. Immediate removal and a veterinary check‑up are essential to prevent infection and irritation.
What happens to a cat with a tick? - in detail
When a tick attaches to a cat, its mouthparts penetrate the skin and embed a cement-like substance to secure the parasite. The tick then inserts its feeding tube, called a hypostome, and begins to draw blood. This process may cause localized inflammation, redness, and a small, raised lesion at the attachment site. If the tick remains attached for several days, the cat can lose a measurable amount of blood, potentially leading to mild anemia, especially in young, small, or already compromised animals.
During feeding, the tick can transmit a variety of pathogens. Commonly reported agents include:
- Bartonella henselae – may cause fever, lymphadenopathy, and ocular inflammation.
- Ehrlichia spp. – can produce fever, lethargy, and thrombocytopenia.
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum – associated with joint pain and reduced white‑blood‑cell count.
- Cytauxzoon felis – a severe, often fatal disease characterized by fever, icterus, and organ failure.
- Rickettsia spp. – may lead to skin lesions and systemic illness.
- Tick‑borne encephalitis virus (rare in cats) – can cause neurological signs.
Some ticks secrete neurotoxins that interfere with nerve transmission, resulting in tick paralysis. Signs appear as progressive weakness, beginning in the hind limbs and potentially advancing to respiratory failure if the toxin reaches the diaphragm. Removal of the tick typically halts toxin production, and recovery follows within hours to days.
Secondary bacterial infection is another risk. The bite site can become colonized by skin flora, leading to pus formation, swelling, and pain. If untreated, infection may spread to deeper tissues, causing cellulitis or abscess formation.
Prompt removal of the tick is essential. The recommended technique involves grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible with fine‑pointed tweezers and pulling upward with steady, even pressure. Crushing the body or twisting can cause the mouthparts to break off, leaving them embedded, and may increase pathogen transmission. After removal, the area should be cleaned with an antiseptic solution and monitored for signs of inflammation, infection, or systemic illness.
If the cat shows any of the following, veterinary evaluation is required:
- Persistent fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
- Rapid breathing, coughing, or difficulty swallowing.
- Unexplained weight loss or pale mucous membranes.
- Neurological signs such as tremors, ataxia, or paralysis.
- Swelling, discharge, or ulceration at the bite site.
Diagnostic work‑up may include complete blood count, serum chemistry, and specific serologic or PCR tests for tick‑borne pathogens. Treatment protocols vary but often involve:
- Broad‑spectrum antibiotics for bacterial infections.
- Antiprotozoal agents for Cytauxzoon infection.
- Supportive care, including fluid therapy and blood transfusion for severe anemia.
- Antitoxin or corticosteroid therapy for tick paralysis in selected cases.
Prevention strategies focus on regular tick checks, especially after outdoor activity, and the use of veterinarian‑approved ectoparasitic products such as spot‑on treatments, collars, or oral medications. Maintaining a clean environment, removing tall grass, and limiting exposure to wildlife reservoirs further reduce the risk of infestation.