What if a cat is bitten by a tick? - briefly
If a cat receives a tick bite, it may acquire infections such as Bartonella, Ehrlichia, or Babesia, causing fever, lethargy, anemia, or joint pain. Immediate removal of the tick and prompt veterinary assessment are required to prevent disease progression.
What if a cat is bitten by a tick? - in detail
If a feline becomes host to a feeding tick, the parasite first secures itself with its mouthparts, creating a small, often unnoticed puncture. Within minutes the tick inserts a cement-like substance that hardens, anchoring the organism to the skin and establishing a channel for blood flow. This attachment can last from several days to two weeks, depending on the tick’s life stage.
During the feeding period, the tick may transmit pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (anaplasmosis), Ehrlichia canis (ehrlichiosis), and Rickettsia spp. (spotted fever). The likelihood of transmission rises after 24–48 hours of attachment, because the salivary glands become fully active.
Typical clinical signs
- Localized redness or swelling at the bite site
- Small, raised scab or crust where the tick detached
- Lethargy, loss of appetite, or weight loss
- Fever, shaking, or trembling
- Joint pain or limping, especially in the hind limbs
- Anemia or pale mucous membranes in severe infestations
Diagnostic approach
- Visual inspection of the coat and skin, focusing on ears, neck, and between toes.
- Removal of any attached tick using fine-tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling steadily.
- Blood work to assess complete blood count, serology for specific tick‑borne agents, and PCR testing if indicated.
- Urinalysis and imaging (radiographs or ultrasound) when systemic disease is suspected.
Treatment protocol
- Immediate removal of the tick, followed by cleaning of the wound with antiseptic solution.
- Administration of a broad‑spectrum antibiotic (e.g., doxycycline 5 mg/kg PO BID for 2–4 weeks) to cover common bacterial agents.
- Supportive care such as fluid therapy, anti‑inflammatory medication, and nutritional supplementation if the cat shows signs of systemic illness.
- Re‑evaluation after 7–10 days to monitor resolution of lesions and laboratory parameters.
Preventive measures
- Routine use of veterinary‑approved ectoparasite collars, topical spot‑on products, or oral preventatives containing acaricidal agents.
- Regular grooming and inspection of outdoor cats, especially after exposure to tall grass, leaf litter, or wooded areas.
- Environmental control: mowing lawns, removing leaf piles, and treating the yard with tick‑reducing treatments where appropriate.
- Annual veterinary check‑ups to update vaccination status and discuss prophylactic options.
Prompt identification and removal of the parasite, combined with targeted antimicrobial therapy, dramatically reduce the risk of serious disease and improve the cat’s prognosis.