Most of the tick-borne diseases diagnosed in dogs also have been identified in cats.  Cats who are allowed outdoors are at increased risk, but indoor cats can be affected as well. Ticks are sneaky and can hitch a ride on you or your dog and make their way inside. Our Just Cats Clinic team doesn’t want your cat to suffer from a tick-borne illness, and we offer information about what diseases these parasites transmit to cats and how to protect your feline friend.

Lyme disease in cats 

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, and is transmitted by the black-legged tick. Ticks must remain attached for at least 24 hours to spread the disease. Serum samples taken from cats in Lyme endemic areas are commonly positive for the disease, but controversy exists about whether the infection can cause clinical disease in cats. Potential clinical signs include lethargy, weakness, lack of coordination, and lameness. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to rule out other conditions and assays to detect antibodies to antigens of B. burgdorferi. The infection usually responds to a particular class of antibiotic, but signs may return once treatment is stopped because the disease can be hard to clear. While a vaccine against Lyme disease is available for dogs, there is no feline version.

Cytauzoonosis in cats

Cytauzoonosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Cytauxzoon felis. The parasite’s natural host is the bobcat, but all felines are susceptible to infection. C. felis is transmitted by Lone Star and American dog ticks, and most infections occur between the spring and fall when ticks are most active. Clinical signs usually develop about 10 days after infection and include lethargy, decreased appetite, difficulty breathing, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. The infection progresses rapidly and can cause death in as little as two to three days if left untreated. In the later stages of the infection, affected cats have a low body temperature, develop seizures, and may become comatose. Blood tests can diagnose C. felis, and in some cases, a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the spleen or liver is recommended to help confirm diagnosis. Treatment typically involves anti-protozoal medications, intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and nutritional support. When the infection is detected and treated early, about 60% of cats survive. Cats who recover remain persistently infected and should be kept indoors to prevent disease spread.

Tularemia in cats

Tularemia is a bacterial disease caused by Francisella tularensis. The disease most commonly affects rabbits and other rodents, but in rare cases it also can infect cats. Tularemia is zoonotic, which means humans can be infected, too. Cats typically are infected after a bite from a black-legged tick carrying the bacterium, but they also can develop an infection if they eat an infected rodent. Affected cats can have mild signs or become dangerously ill. Potential signs include fever, lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, vomiting, jaundice, and oral ulcers. Diagnosis is made by ruling out other conditions and running an assay to test the cat’s immune response to F. tularensis. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and medications to control pain and nausea. 

Granulocytic anaplasmosis in cats

Anaplasmosis is a rickettsial bacterium caused by Anaplasma phagoctyophilum that is transmitted by the black-legged tick after it is attached for 24 to 48 hours. After infection, the organism infects white blood cells, called neutrophils, forming intracellular morulae. The most commonly observed clinical signs in cats include lethargy, lack of appetite, fever, and ocular abnormalities, such as conjunctivitis and a protruding third eyelid. Other less common signs include a bloody nose, unexplained bruising, and seizures. Signs are non-specific and can be intermittent, making diagnosis difficult. A special stain can be used to identify the A. phagocytophilum on a blood smear. Blood assays also can help diagnose the disease. Anaplasmosis is usually responsive to a particular antibiotic class, and treatment typically takes about two to four weeks. In severe cases, supportive care and blood transfusions may be necessary. 

Tips to prevent tick-borne disease in cats

The best way to prevent tick-borne diseases in cats is to prevent exposure to ticks. Tips include:

  • Tick preventive — Provide a year-round flea and tick preventive—we recommend Revolution Plus—to protect your cat from these harmful parasites.
  • Check yourself — When on an outing, wear tick repellent and avoid wooded areas and overgrown environments where ticks are typically found. Before entering your home, check yourself, looking for ticks crawling on your clothes. In addition, check your dog before returning home. Ticks can attach anywhere on your dog, but common areas include under the tail, around the ears and eyes, under the collar, in the armpits and groin, and between the toes. 
  • Check your cat — Groom your cat and check their coat every day to look for parasites such as ticks.

Removing a tick from your cat

If you find a tick on your cat, tips to remove it include:

  • Use fine-tipped tweezers, and grasp the tick close to the entry point.
  • Steadily pull upward, and avoid crushing or twisting the tick.
  • Place the tick in alcohol so you can identify the species.
  • Clean the bite wound with soap and water and monitor the site for infection.

Ticks can transmit serious diseases to cats, but following these tips should safeguard your feline friend. Contact our Just Cats Clinic team to discuss what tick preventive is best for your cat.