What is a tick on a cat? - briefly
A tick on a cat is a tiny arachnid that attaches to the animal’s skin to suck blood. It can transmit diseases, so prompt removal is essential.
What is a tick on a cat? - in detail
Ticks are small arachnids that attach to a cat’s skin to feed on blood. They locate hosts by sensing heat, carbon dioxide, and movement. Once on the animal, a tick inserts its mouthparts, anchoring with a cement-like substance that hardens within hours, making removal difficult.
Physical characteristics include a round, flat body in the unfed stage, expanding to a swollen, oval shape after feeding. Adult ticks range from 2 mm to 10 mm in length, depending on species and engorgement. Common species found on felines are the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) and the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis).
Health implications for the cat:
- Transmission of bacterial pathogens such as Bartonella henselae (cat‑scratch disease) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (granulocytic anaplasmosis).
- Spread of protozoal agents like Babesia spp., causing hemolytic anemia.
- Possible infection with Rickettsia spp., leading to fever and lethargy.
- Local skin irritation, inflammation, and secondary bacterial infection at the bite site.
- Rare development of tick‑borne paralysis due to neurotoxic saliva.
Signs of infestation include:
- Small, hard, dark spots on the coat, often near the head, ears, or between toes.
- Redness, swelling, or a visible attachment point.
- Excessive scratching, grooming, or hair loss in the affected region.
- Generalized weakness, loss of appetite, or fever in advanced cases.
Preventive measures:
- Apply veterinary‑approved topical repellents or collars containing acaricides.
- Maintain a clean environment; regularly vacuum and wash bedding.
- Keep grass and shrubbery trimmed to reduce tick habitat around the home.
- Perform routine inspections after outdoor excursions, especially in wooded or grassy areas.
If a tick is discovered, removal should follow these steps:
- Use fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding compression of the abdomen.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure until the mouthparts detach.
- Disinfect the bite area with a mild antiseptic.
- Monitor the site for signs of infection; consult a veterinarian if redness persists or if the cat shows systemic symptoms.
Veterinary intervention may be required for: