What illnesses can cats get from ticks? - briefly
Cats can contract several tick‑borne diseases, such as Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis, which may cause fever, lethargy, joint pain, or anemia. Prompt veterinary diagnosis and treatment are essential.
What illnesses can cats get from ticks? - in detail
Ticks are vectors for a range of pathogens that affect feline health. The most frequently encountered agents include bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, each producing distinct clinical syndromes.
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum – causes granulocytic anaplasmosis. Symptoms: fever, lethargy, joint pain, decreased appetite, and occasional thrombocytopenia. Diagnosis relies on PCR or serology; doxycycline is the treatment of choice.
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Ehrlichia spp. – primarily Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Felines may develop ehrlichiosis with fever, weight loss, anemia, and immune‑mediated hemolysis. Tetracycline antibiotics effectively control infection.
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Babesia spp. – Babesia felis and related species produce babesiosis, a hemolytic disease characterized by anemia, icterus, splenomegaly, and occasional hemoglobinuria. Microscopic blood smear, PCR, or serology confirm infection; imidocarb or azithromycin‑atovaquone combinations are standard therapies.
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Cytauxzoon felis – a protozoan parasite causing cytauxzoonosis, a rapid, often fatal disease. Clinical picture includes high fever, severe anemia, hepatic necrosis, and neurologic signs. Early detection via blood smear or PCR is essential; treatment involves a combination of atovaquone and azithromycin, though prognosis remains guarded.
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Rickettsia spp. – includes Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever) and Rickettsia conorii. In cats, infection may be mild or subclinical, but can present with fever, skin lesions, and vasculitis. Doxycycline remains effective.
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Borrelia burgdorferi – the agent of Lyme disease. Cats are generally resistant, yet infection can cause lameness, fever, and kidney involvement. Serologic testing and a course of doxycycline are recommended when clinical signs appear.
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Tick‑borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) – rare in felines, may lead to neurological dysfunction, ataxia, and seizures. Diagnosis via PCR or serology; supportive care is the primary management.
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Hepatozoon felis – transmitted when a cat ingests an infected tick. Clinical signs include fever, weight loss, and ocular lesions. Diagnosis through blood smear or PCR; treatment with sulfonamides or clindamycin is standard.
Prevention hinges on regular ectoparasite control using veterinarian‑approved spot‑on treatments, collars, or oral medications. Routine tick checks after outdoor exposure reduce the risk of pathogen transmission. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt diagnostic testing improve outcomes for affected cats.