What Does It Mean When a Tick Bite on a Cat Is Swollen & Bleeding?

Tick bites are most common on felines who spend most of their time outdoors. While the cat may be unaware that she is hosting one of these blood-suckers, it is important to remove the tick as soon as possible to avoid potential disease transmission. Ticks can also attach themselves to humans and spread disease. A tick bite that is swollen and bleeding can be indicative of numerous issues, from basic allergic reactions to more serious health problems, such as tick-born illnesses.

  1. Tick Definition

    • Ticks are a type of blood-sucking parasite that attaches itself to the skin of a mammal, such as cats, dogs, deer and humans. Adult ticks have eight legs, which puts them in the arachnid family along with spiders and mites. Ticks can transmit a number of diseases to their host animal, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia (rabbit fever), Hepatozoonosis and Ehrlichiosis. Tick species vary according to region, and are generally found in areas containing tall grasses, such as wooded areas. They attach themselves to animals by burying their heads in an animal's skin in order to gorge on blood. Ticks are generally most active during warmer weather.

    Allergies

    • A tick bite that becomes inflamed is generally due to an allergic reaction as the tick injects its saliva into the feline once it attaches, though bleeding/swelling symptoms may also indicate disease transmission. The allergic reaction and area sensitivity can cause the cat to lick and scratch at the bite, which can result in bleeding and ulceration. Tick bites may also swell and bleed due to improper tick removal. Proper tick removal should lift the entire tick from the body of the host animal, including the head. Swab the area with rubbing alcohol and remove the tick with tweezers. Wear gloves to avoid coming in direct contact with the tick, and consult your veterinarian about how to best treat the bite. If possible, describe the type of tick to your vet, as certain ticks carry diseases while others are relatively harmless.

    General Warning Signs

    • General warning signs of a tick bite on your cat include loss of appetite, lameness, cough, fever, balance issues, lethargy, depression, and sudden pain or swelling of joints. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, check her for ticks and consult your veterinarian. Ticks commonly attach themselves to cats in areas where the animal cannot reach, such as under the collar or tail, on the back of the neck, in the armpit, groin, and ear areas, between the toes, and under the lips.

    Disease-Specific Symptoms

    • Symptoms of Lyme disease in cats include fever, fatigue, stiff joints, loss of appetite, and sudden collapse. It takes between 10 and 12 hours for this disease to be transmitted to a cat.
      Symptoms of rabbit fever in cats include abscesses around the bite area, enlarged lymph nodes and fever, all of which appear quickly after transmission. Other symptoms that may occur up to a week after infection include discharge from the eyes and nose, rash and internal abscesses.
      Symptoms of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in cats include fever, loss of appetite, and painful or swollen joints. Disease transmission occurs between five and 20 hours after the bite. Hemorrhages under the skin may also occur.