What illnesses can a cat develop from a tick bite? - briefly
Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are the main infections a cat may acquire from a tick bite. Clinical signs include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, anemia and joint pain, necessitating prompt veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
What illnesses can a cat develop from a tick bite? - in detail
Ticks serve as vectors for a range of pathogens that can affect felines. Infection occurs when a feeding tick transfers microorganisms or toxins into the bloodstream. The most frequently reported conditions include:
- Anaplasmosis – caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Clinical signs: fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and occasional joint swelling. Diagnosis relies on PCR or serology; doxycycline is the treatment of choice.
- Babesiosis – infection with Babesia spp. Presents with anemia, hemoglobinuria, and icterus. Microscopic blood smears reveal intra‑erythrocytic parasites; combination therapy with atovaquone and azithromycin is standard.
- Cytauxzoonosis – caused by Cytauxzoon felis. Rapidly progressive disease marked by high fever, severe anemia, and neurologic signs. Blood smears show schizont‑laden macrophages; imidocarb dipropionate offers limited efficacy, early intervention is critical.
- Ehrlichiosis – Ehrlichia canis or Ehrlichia chaffeensis infection. Symptoms include fever, thrombocytopenia, and weight loss. PCR confirms infection; doxycycline administered for 4 weeks typically resolves the condition.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever – Rickettsia rickettsii transmission leads to fever, petechial rash, and vascular inflammation. Serologic testing and PCR support diagnosis; doxycycline remains the recommended therapy.
- Bartonellosis – Bartonella henselae may be introduced by ticks, producing intermittent fever, lymphadenopathy, and ocular inflammation. Culture or PCR identifies the organism; azithromycin or doxycycline are common treatments.
- Lyme disease – although rare in cats, Borrelia burgdorferi can be transmitted, resulting in lameness, renal involvement, or neurologic signs. Serology assists diagnosis; doxycycline is employed when infection is confirmed.
- Tick paralysis – neurotoxic protein secreted by certain tick species causes ascending flaccid paralysis. Removal of the attached tick usually leads to rapid recovery; supportive care may be required.
Co‑infection with multiple agents is possible, complicating clinical presentation and necessitating comprehensive diagnostic panels. Early detection, appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and prompt removal of attached ticks reduce morbidity and improve outcomes. Preventive measures—regular acaricide application, environmental control, and routine examinations—remain essential to minimize exposure to tick‑borne pathogens.