What will happen if a tick remains on a cat? - briefly
A tick attached to a cat will draw blood, possibly introducing pathogens like Lyme disease or causing anemia and localized skin irritation. If not removed promptly, the infestation can progress to secondary infections and broader health complications.
What will happen if a tick remains on a cat? - in detail
A tick that stays attached to a cat begins to feed on blood within minutes. The feeding process triggers several physiological responses and health risks.
During the first 24‑48 hours the tick inserts its mouthparts, causing localized inflammation. The cat may develop a small, reddened papule that can become swollen or ulcerated if the tick is not removed promptly.
Prolonged attachment (more than 48 hours) raises the likelihood of pathogen transmission. Common agents transferred by ixodid ticks include:
- Babesia felis – hemolytic anemia, lethargy, fever.
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum – fever, joint pain, reduced appetite.
- Ehrlichia canis – pancytopenia, weight loss, chronic weakness.
- Rickettsia spp. – skin lesions, fever, vasculitis.
- Bartonella henselae – fever, lymphadenopathy, ocular inflammation.
In addition to infectious diseases, heavy tick burdens can cause:
- Anemia – cumulative blood loss, especially in kittens or small breeds.
- Tick paralysis – neurotoxin secreted by certain species (e.g., Ixodes holocyclus) leads to progressive weakness, ataxia, and potentially respiratory failure.
- Secondary bacterial infection – skin breaks become entry points for opportunistic microbes.
Removal of the tick should be performed with fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick remover, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady pressure. After extraction:
- Disinfect the bite site with a mild antiseptic.
- Observe the cat for 48 hours for signs of fever, lethargy, or neurological deficits.
- Contact a veterinarian if any abnormal signs appear; diagnostic testing may include blood smear, PCR, or serology for tick‑borne pathogens.
Preventive measures include regular use of veterinarian‑approved ectoparasitic preventatives, routine grooming to detect attached ticks, and environmental control of tick habitats in the cat’s surroundings. Prompt detection and removal minimize the risk of disease, anemia, and paralysis.