What will happen if you do not remove a tick from a cat? - briefly
A feeding tick can transmit pathogens such as Bartonella, Ehrlichia, or Lyme‑causing bacteria and may induce anemia, while the attachment site can become inflamed or infected. Prompt removal eliminates these health risks.
What will happen if you do not remove a tick from a cat? - in detail
Leaving a tick attached to a cat can lead to a cascade of health problems. The parasite feeds on blood, creating a wound that may become infected. Bacterial invasion, particularly from Staphylococcus or Streptococcus species, can cause cellulitis, abscess formation, or systemic infection if untreated.
The bite site also serves as a portal for tick‑borne pathogens. Common agents include:
- Babesia spp. – causes hemolytic anemia, fever, lethargy, and possible organ failure.
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum – produces fever, joint pain, and reduced white‑blood‑cell count.
- Ehrlichia spp. – leads to fever, weight loss, and bleeding disorders.
- Rickettsia spp. – may result in fever, skin lesions, and vascular inflammation.
These infections often progress silently for days to weeks, making early detection difficult. Once systemic, they require prolonged antimicrobial therapy and can be fatal, especially in young, elderly, or immunocompromised cats.
In addition to infectious risks, a tick can cause:
- Localized inflammation and swelling, impairing limb movement if located near a joint.
- Allergic reactions ranging from mild dermatitis to anaphylaxis in hypersensitive individuals.
- Blood loss sufficient to produce anemia when multiple ticks feed simultaneously.
Prompt removal eliminates the feeding source, reduces pathogen transmission time, and prevents secondary complications. If a tick has been attached for more than 24 hours, diagnostic testing (blood smear, PCR, serology) is advisable to assess possible infection. Veterinary intervention may be necessary to treat established diseases and to manage wound care.