Cat Tick Diseases

Many pet owners believe only dogs can be affected by ticks, but there are several tick-related diseases that cats can succumb to as well. If you have a cat, take extra precautions against tick bites by keeping your grass cut short and regularly checking your outdoor cat for ticks on their skin.

  1. Cytauxzoonosis

    • This disease occurs mostly in domestic cats, and is fatal in most cases. It is spread to cats by the American dog tick, which is commonly found in wooded areas and fields with tall grass. Common symptoms of cytauxzoonosis include anorexia, lethargy, fever, dehydration and enlarged lymph nodes. These symptoms typically occur within six days after being bitten.

    Tick Paralysis

    • Tick paralysis affects both dogs and cats that are bitten by a female deer tick. The paralysis suddenly begins to take place in the animal, causing incoordination and weakness and over time, complete paralysis in all of the animal's legs. Tick paralysis is cured simply by removing the tick, and most animals recover soon after.

    Lyme Disease

    • Lyme disease is a common disease caused by ticks in humans, dogs and cats. It is caused by the bacteria transmitted by lxodes ticks. Common symptoms of lyme disease are fatigue, fever, stiff muscles and joints, loss of appetite or sudden collapse.