What are tick-borne diseases in cats?
Tick-borne diseases in cats are diseases transmitted by the bite of infected ticks.
Although many people are familiar with Lyme disease, it is just one of many infections that can be transmitted to cats through tick bites.
Ticks are found throughout the United States and can transmit a variety of pathogens when they attach and feed. In addition to spreading disease, tick bites can also cause:
Because of these risks, preventing exposure to ticks is an important part of protecting your cat's health.
Key takeaways
- Tick-borne illnesses in cats are caused by bites from infected ticks and can lead to serious health problems.
- The most common types of tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, hepatozoonosis, and tularemia.
- Symptoms often appear within a few weeks and may include fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
- In severe cases, tick-borne illnesses can cause jaundice or tick paralysis.
- There is no vaccine to protect cats against tick-borne diseases. Prevention throughout the year is therefore essential.
Most Common Types of Tick-Borne Diseases in Cats
Several tick-borne diseases can affect cats, although some are more common than others.
The six most recognized are:
- Lyme disease: Caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted by the blacklegged (deer) tick. It is most commonly found in the eastern United States, extending into Texas and South Dakota.
- Hepatozoonosis: A protozoan infection transmitted by ticks, although it is rare in cats.
- Tularemia: Caused by Francisella tularensis and transmitted by the American dog tick and the Lone Star tick. It is found throughout most of the United States (except the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest) and is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to humans.
- Babesiosis (piroplasmosis): A protozoan infection (Babesia felis) spread by ticks. It has not been reported in the United States and is more commonly seen in southern Africa.
- Cytauxzoonosis: Caused by Cytauxzoon felis and transmitted by Lone Star ticks. It is most commonly found in the southern United States, but cases extend as far north as Wisconsin and Maine.
- Anaplasmosis: Rickettsial infection (Anaplasma phagocytophilum) spread by black-legged and brown dog ticks. It is most common in the eastern and southern United States, extending west to Texas and South Dakota.
Symptoms of Tick-Borne Disease in Cats
Symptoms of tick-borne illnesses in cats usually appear within a few weeks of a tick bite and can range from mild to severe.
Cats often exhibit general signs of illness as well as more specific symptoms depending on the illness.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Joint pain, swelling or lameness
- Difficulty walking or reduced mobility
- Anemia, which may appear as pale gums, bruising, bloody stools, or nosebleeds
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes, or gums)
- Swollen or painful lymph nodes
- Redness, irritation, or itching at the tick bite site
- Changes in vocalization (meow)
- Difficulty swallowing
Causes of Tick-Borne Diseases in Cats
Tick-borne diseases in cats are caused by the bite of infected ticks that transmit bacteria or parasites into the bloodstream.
Although there are many species of ticks, only a few are known to commonly spread diseases in cats. These include:
Each of these ticks can carry different pathogens, which is why exposure to ticks, even a single bite, can potentially lead to illness.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Tick-Borne Diseases in Cats
Veterinarians diagnose tick-borne illnesses in cats through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and targeted diagnostic testing.
During the visit, your veterinarian will examine your cat and review its exposure to ticks, including the type and frequency of any tick prevention used.
To confirm a diagnosis and assess general health, your veterinarian may recommend:
- Blood tests (complete blood counts) to assess for infection, anemia and inflammation
- Urinalysis and x-rays to assess organ function and rule out other conditions
- Urinary protein/creatinine ratio to screen for kidney damage
- Cytology or joint fluid analysis to assess tissue inflammation or infection
- PCR or antibody tests to detect tick-borne organisms
- Identification of the tick, if you are able to safely remove and bring the tick in for analysis
Checking your cat for ticks regularly, at least once a month, can help detect exposure early and reduce the risk of illness.
Treatment of Tick-Borne Diseases in Cats
Treatment for tick-borne illnesses in cats usually involves antibiotics and supportive care, depending on the severity of the illness.
Most cats are treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline for two to four weeks to target the underlying infection.
In more severe cases, additional supportive care may be needed. This may include treatments such as:
- Pain management
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Intravenous (IV) fluids
- Appetite stimulants
- In some cases, blood transfusions
The specific treatment plan will depend on how advanced the disease is and which organs are affected.
Currently, there are no vaccines available to protect cats against tick-borne diseases.
Recovery and Management of Tick-Borne Diseases in Cats
Recovery from tick-borne illness in cats depends on the specific illness and the severity of symptoms at the time of diagnosis.
Some conditions, such as tick paralysis, may have an uncertain prognosis, especially if breathing or swallowing is affected.
Although diseases like tularemia and cytauxzoonosis are relatively rare, they can be fatal if left untreated, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.
For cats that respond well to treatment, the long-term outlook is often positive. Many can return to relatively normal lives. However, some cats may remain carriers of the disease and require continued monitoring for potential complications, such as Lyme nephritis (kidney disease).
Regular veterinary monitoring is important to ensure your cat remains healthy and to detect any long-term effects quickly.
Prevention of Tick-Borne Diseases in Cats
Preventing exposure to ticks is the most effective way to protect your cat from tick-borne diseases.
It is recommended that cats be prevented from ticks year-round, as ticks can be active in many environments and climates. Several options are available, including topical treatments, oral medications, collars, sprays and dips.
The best choice will depend on your cat's lifestyle, environment and general health. It is therefore important to work with your veterinarian to select the most appropriate product.
In addition to protecting your cat, tick prevention also helps reduce the risk of disease transmission to people and other animals in your household.
FAQs on Tick-Borne Diseases in Cats
What diseases can cats get from ticks?
Ticks can transmit several serious diseases to cats.
Common tick-borne diseases include cytauxzoonosis, tularemia, Lyme disease, and anaplasmosis, among others. The type of disease depends on the tick species and geographic location.
Can a tick make a cat sick?
Yes, just one tick bite can make a cat sick.
In addition to transmitting disease, ticks can cause skin irritations, secondary infections and blood loss. In rare cases, they can also cause tick paralysis, a potentially fatal condition.
What symptoms do ticks cause in cats?
Tick ​​bites and tick-borne illnesses can cause a range of symptoms in cats.
Common signs include redness or itching at the bite site, as well as more systemic symptoms such as fever, decreased appetite, joint pain, lameness and lethargy.
