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Tick-Borne Diseases in Cats
Cats may be independent hunters, but that doesn’t make them immune to parasites. One of the most dangerous parasites they can encounter is the tick—a tiny bloodsucker capable of transmitting serious illnesses. While most cat owners have heard of Lyme disease, ticks can also spread several other dangerous conditions. Left untreated, some of these diseases can be fatal. Understanding the different types of tick-borne diseases in cats, their symptoms, and how to prevent them is crucial for keeping your feline safe.
What Are Tick-Borne Diseases in Cats?
Tick-borne diseases are illnesses caused by bacteria, protozoa, or rickettsial organisms transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Ticks latch onto a cat’s skin to feed on blood and can pass disease-causing organisms during the process. These diseases can cause anything from mild skin irritation to severe, life-threatening conditions such as tick paralysis or organ failure. Ticks are found in many regions of the United States and around the world. Even indoor cats can be at risk if ticks are brought inside on clothing, other pets, or through open windows.
6 Most Common Tick-Borne Diseases in Cats
1. Lyme Disease
Cause: Bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi
Spread By: Black-legged (deer) tick
Where Found: Eastern U.S., Texas, South Dakota
Risks: Joint pain, fever, kidney damage, and chronic health problems if untreated.
2. Hepatozoonosis
Cause: Protozoan parasite
Spread By: Tick bites
Where Found: Rare in cats, more common in dogs
Risks: Fever, muscle wasting, and lethargy.
3. Tularemia
Cause: Bacterium Francisella tularensis
Spread By: American dog tick and Lone Star tick
Where Found: Across the U.S. except the Rocky Mountains and Southwest
Risks: Zoonotic (can infect humans), causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and potentially severe illness.
4. Babesiosis (Piroplasmosis)
Cause: Protozoan Babesia felis
Spread By: Tick bites
Where Found: Rare in the U.S., more common in Southern Africa
Risks: Anemia, fever, and jaundice.
5. Cytauxzoonosis
Cause: Protozoan Cytauxzoon felis
Spread By: Lone Star tick
Where Found: Southern U.S., as far north as Wisconsin and Maine
Risks: Highly fatal if untreated, symptoms include high fever, breathing difficulty, and jaundice.
6. Anaplasmosis
Cause: Rickettsial organism Anaplasma phagocytophilum
Spread By: Black-legged (deer) tick and brown dog tick
Where Found: Eastern, southern, and parts of central U.S.
Risks: Lameness, fever, lethargy, and joint pain.
Symptoms of Tick-Borne Diseases in Cats
Symptoms often appear within weeks of a tick bite and may include fever and lethargy, loss of appetite and weight loss, joint pain, swelling, and lameness, pale gums or anemia, jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), swollen lymph nodes, difficulty walking or swallowing, redness and itching at the bite site, and weakness starting in hind legs, progressing to forelimbs and breathing muscles (tick paralysis).
Causes and High-Risk Tick Species
Only certain tick species commonly transmit disease to cats, including the black-legged (deer) tick, brown dog tick, American dog tick, and Lone Star tick.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Tick-Borne Diseases
Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam and tick prevention history, blood tests, urinalysis, and X-rays, PCR or antibody testing for pathogens, cytology or fluid analysis from joints/organs, and tick identification if the parasite is brought in.
Treatment Options
Treatment often involves antibiotics such as doxycycline for 2–4 weeks, supportive care such as pain relief, anti-inflammatories, IV fluids, or appetite stimulants, and blood transfusions in severe anemia cases. Unfortunately, there’s no vaccine for cats against these diseases.
Recovery and Prognosis
Recovery depends on the specific disease and severity. Some, like cytauxzoonosis and tularemia, can be fatal without prompt treatment. Cats that recover may still carry the pathogen and require regular monitoring.
Prevention: The Best Defense
Preventing tick bites is the most effective way to protect your cat. Use vet-approved tick preventives year-round such as collars, spot-on treatments, oral medications, sprays, or dips. Check your cat for ticks regularly, especially after outdoor time, and keep lawns trimmed to reduce tick populations.
Tick-Borne Disease in Cats – FAQs
Q: What diseases can cats get from ticks?
Cats can contract Lyme disease, cytauxzoonosis, tularemia, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and hepatozoonosis.
Q: Can ticks make a cat seriously ill?
Yes. Tick-borne diseases can cause severe symptoms such as anemia, paralysis, organ damage, and even death.
Q: How can I tell if my cat has a tick-borne illness?
Watch for fever, loss of appetite, lameness, swollen lymph nodes, and unusual weakness, especially in the hind legs.