What will happen if a tick is not removed from a cat? - briefly
A engorged tick left on a cat can transmit pathogens such as Babesia, Anaplasma, or Bartonella, causing fever, lethargy, or anemia. Prolonged attachment also induces local skin inflammation and may lead to secondary infection.
What will happen if a tick is not removed from a cat? - in detail
Leaving a tick attached to a cat creates several health risks. The parasite feeds on blood, causing local tissue damage and inflammation at the attachment site. Prolonged attachment increases the likelihood of secondary bacterial infection, which may manifest as swelling, pus formation, and pain.
Systemic dangers arise from pathogen transmission. Ticks can carry Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia canis, and Rickettsia species. Infection may lead to fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, joint pain, and, in severe cases, organ failure. Early detection of these illnesses becomes more difficult when the tick remains unnoticed.
Tick‑induced paralysis is another possible outcome. Salivary neurotoxins released by certain tick species interfere with neuromuscular transmission, producing progressive weakness that can culminate in respiratory failure if untreated.
Additional complications include:
- Anemia from sustained blood loss, especially in kittens or small‑breed cats.
- Hypersensitivity reactions, resulting in extensive skin lesions or ulceration.
- Transmission of viral agents such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in rare cases.
Prompt removal eliminates the feeding source, reduces toxin exposure, and lowers the probability of pathogen transfer. Veterinary evaluation after removal is advisable to assess for emerging infections and to initiate appropriate treatment if needed.