Do Cats Get Ticks? What Cat Owners Should Know About Ticks in Cats, Tick-Borne Diseases, Prevention, and More!

Have you ever wondered if your cat can get ticks? It is easy to think of ticks as a problem mainly for dogs, but cat owners may come across them too. If a tick is found on a cat, it is natural to wonder what it means and what to do next.

There are different species of ticks, and some may be found on cats in different situations. Terms like ticks on cats, tick bites, and tick-borne diseases in cats can bring up plenty of questions for cat owners. Even indoor cats may leave owners wondering whether ticks can become a concern.

From tick prevention to tick removal, there are several things worth knowing about these small parasites. Read on to learn more about ticks on cats and what cat owners should know about protecting their cats.

Can Cats Get Ticks? What to Know About Ticks on Cats

Cats can pick up ticks when they come into contact with places where these parasites are present. Outdoor cats have more chances to run into them, but that does not mean indoor cats are completely out of the picture. It can be surprising to find a tick on your cat when there has been little or no obvious outdoor exposure.

How Cats Can Pick Up Ticks

Ticks are spider-like parasites that cannot fly or jump. They wait on grass, plants, and other vegetation for a moving animal or person to pass by. Ticks are widely distributed throughout many environments, so cats can get ticks even if they rarely wander through the woods.

• Walking through grass: A tick may be hiding in tall grass or low plants when a cat walks by. It can attach to the cat's coat and eventually reach the skin to feed.
• Exploring wooded areas: Ticks live in wooded areas, forests, and places with thick vegetation. A cat exploring these spots can easily brush against a plant where a tick is waiting.
• Moving through shrubs: Ticks can wait on shrubs and other low-growing plants until an animal comes close. Ticks are less likely to be found where there is little vegetation, but cats can still encounter them in other outdoor areas.
• Coming into contact with wildlife: Wildlife can carry many ticks into yards, gardens, and other places where cats spend time. Sometimes, cats may pick up a tick after passing through an area where an animal carrying ticks has been.
• Spending time outdoors: A cat does not have to be outside for hours to encounter a tick. Even a quick trip outdoors can give cats a chance to get ticks when they are active.
• Being around dogs or other animals: Ticks can be found on dogs or cats, as well as other animals that can carry them. A tick can sometimes end up in a shared area when an animal brings it in.
• Coming into contact with people or belongings: Someone who has been outdoors can sometimes bring an unattached tick inside on clothing, shoes, bags, or other belongings. If that tick later comes into contact with a cat, it may attach and feed.
• Living near areas where ticks are present: Ticks are found throughout many types of environments, including grassy areas, gardens, piles of leaves, wooded spaces, and places where wildlife is common. This means ticks affect cats in more settings than you might expect, even close to home.

Different tick species prefer different environments, and some are more commonly found on certain animals than others. Since cats can move through many of the same areas as dogs, wildlife, and people, there are several ways they may come into contact with ticks. So, finding a tick on your cat does not necessarily mean the cat has been roaming through deep woods.

Different Types of Tick-Borne Diseases in Cats and Their Symptoms

Several diseases can be spread by ticks, and some of them can affect your cat. The risk depends on the tick species and where a cat lives or spends time. Infected ticks can pass bacteria or parasites to cats when they attach and feed.

Cytauxzoonosis (Bobcat Fever)

Cytauxzoonosis, also called Bobcat Fever, is a serious disease caused by a parasite and mainly spread by the Lone Star tick. It can affect red blood cells and important organs, and cats that become seriously ill can get worse very quickly.

• Caused by a protozoan parasite.
• Mainly spread by the Lone Star tick.
• Can affect red blood cells and vital organs.
• May cause fever, weakness, and loss of appetite.
• Breathing problems and jaundice can occur.
• Can become life-threatening within days.
• A cat can become infected after being bitten by an infected tick.

Tularemia (Rabbit Fever)

Tularemia, sometimes called Rabbit Fever, is a bacterial infection that can be spread by dog ticks and Lone Star ticks. Cats can also pick it up by eating infected prey, so a tick bite is not always the only possible source. It can also affect people, which makes it a disease worth taking seriously.

• Caused by the Francisella tularensis bacterium.
• Can be spread by dog ticks and Lone Star ticks.
• Cats can become infected after eating infected prey.
• May cause a high fever and swollen lymph nodes.
• Loss of appetite and weakness can occur.
• Can affect both cats and people.
• People can become infected through certain types of exposure to the bacteria.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia bacteria and is mainly linked to the deer or blacklegged tick. A blacklegged tick can transmit Lyme disease when it carries the bacteria and bites a cat. Cats seem to have some natural resistance to the disease, but infection can still happen.

• Caused by Borrelia bacteria.
• Mainly associated with the deer or blacklegged tick.
• Cats can get Lyme disease after being bitten by an infected tick.
• Joint inflammation and lameness can occur.
• A cat may seem tired or less active.
• Lyme disease can affect dogs and humans as well.
• Not every cat bitten by an infected tick will become noticeably ill.

Anaplasmosis

Anaplasmosis is another bacterial infection that can be spread by infected ticks. It can affect cats as well as other animals, and the signs can be fairly general. That can make it difficult to know what is wrong with a cat at first, especially when there was no obvious tick bite.

• Caused by Anaplasma bacteria.
• Spread by infected ticks.
• Cats can become infected after being bitten by a tick.
• Lethargy can occur.
• Loss of appetite may develop.
• Fever is one of the symptoms to watch for.
• Lameness or joint discomfort can also occur.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is caused by microscopic parasites that target red blood cells. Certain tick species can spread these parasites when they bite a cat. Because the infection affects red blood cells, a sick cat may become weak or show other signs related to anaemia.

• Caused by Babesia parasites.
• Targets red blood cells.
• Spread by certain tick species.
• Can cause weakness and low energy.
• Jaundice may occur.
• Severe anaemia can develop.
• Loss of appetite may also occur.
• The severity can vary from one cat to another.

Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial disease that is less common in cats than in dogs, but cats can occasionally become infected after exposure to infected ticks. The bacteria can affect blood cells and leave a cat feeling generally unwell. It may be hard to connect these changes to a tick bite, particularly when the tick was never noticed.

• Caused by Ehrlichia bacteria.
• Spread by certain infected ticks.
• Less commonly reported in cats.
• Can affect blood cells.
• Fever can occur.
• Lethargy may develop.
• Reduced appetite may also be noticed.

How to Safely Remove a Tick From Your Cat

Ticks and fleas are both common external parasites, but they need to be handled differently. Having the right tools ready and taking things slowly can make removing the tick much easier.

What to Do Before Removing the Tick

Before removing the tick, take a moment to get a clear look at where it is attached. This is easier when the fur is moved aside and the cat is calm, since sudden movement can make it harder to get the tick properly.

• Move the fur away from the area so the tick is easy to see.
• Use good lighting to get a clear view of the tick.
• Have fine-tipped tweezers ready before starting.
• Ask someone to gently hold the cat if it will not stay still.
• Avoid squeezing the body of the tick.
• Do not use a tick with a hot match or another heat source.
• Do not put products on the tick that may be toxic to cats.
• Keep the removal process calm and as brief as possible.

How to Remove an Attached Tick

When removing a tick, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. It can be tempting to grab the body and pull quickly, but a slow and steady approach is less likely to squeeze or crush the tick.

• Place the tweezers close to the skin where the tick is attached.
• Grasp the tick firmly near its attachment point.
• Pull the tick upward with slow, steady pressure.
• Avoid squeezing the tick's body while pulling.
• Do not twist or jerk the tweezers.
• Keep applying steady pressure until the tick comes away.
• Look at the removed tick to see whether it appears intact.
• If the tick cannot be completely removed, a veterinarian can help.

What to Do After Tick Removal

Once the tick is out, there are a few simple things to do before moving on. Since ticks can carry organisms that may cause diseases capable of infecting humans, it is worth taking basic precautions when handling the tick.

• Wash hands with soap and water after removing the tick.
• Avoid touching the tick with bare fingers.
• Put the tick in a sealed container if it needs to be saved for identification.
• Do not crush the tick against the skin.
• Clean the bite area as recommended by a veterinarian.
• Take a quick look over the rest of the cat for other ticks.
• Pay attention to the bite area for any changes.
• Seek veterinary care if removing the tick was difficult or part of it appears to remain attached.

Common Cat Tick Treatments You Can Do At Home

Cat-specific treatments can help control ticks, and some also deal with fleas. Choosing the right product is an important part of protecting your cat because some treatments made for dogs can be harmful to cats.

• Choose tick preventatives that are clearly labelled for cats.
• Check the recommended age and weight before using a product.
• Follow the label and use only the amount recommended.
• Some products can control both fleas and ticks.
• A flea and tick collar can provide longer-lasting protection when it is made for cats.
• Never use a dog-only treatment or collar on a cat unless the label says it is safe for feline use.
• Avoid products containing ingredients that are toxic to cats.
• Do not mix different parasite treatments unless the product instructions allow it.
• Avoid applying household insecticides directly to a cat.
• Be careful with homemade tick remedies, as they may not be safe for cats.
• Store parasite products somewhere cats cannot reach them.
• Check whether a product is suitable for kittens or adult cats before using it.
• Do not give another dose earlier than recommended just because a tick is still present.
• Follow the treatment schedule on the label.
• Regular parasite control can help protect a cat from ticks over time.

When to See a Veterinarian for Ticks in Cats

Finding one tick on a cat does not automatically mean something serious is going on. Still, it helps to pay attention to how the cat is doing afterwards, especially if anything seems different from usual. When something does not look right, veterinary care can help determine whether the tick is connected to the problem.

• When Tick Removal Is Too Difficult: Some ticks can be firmly attached, making them difficult to remove without irritating the skin. If the tick is in an awkward or sensitive spot, it may be better to have a veterinarian handle it rather than keep trying at home.
• When Your Cat Starts Acting Unwell: Cats do not always make it obvious when they are feeling sick, so a change in normal behaviour can be easy to overlook. Cats that are ill usually show some difference in their appetite, energy, movement, or everyday habits, which may require attention through veterinary medicine.
• When There Are Numerous Ticks: Observing numerous ticks is more concerning than finding an occasional one. A large number of ticks can cause significant irritation and may be harder on a cat that is small, young, elderly, or already unwell.
• When the Bite Does Not Look Right: A little irritation around a tick bite can happen, but the area should not keep getting worse. Tick bites can also cause a local skin reaction, so persistent changes are worth having checked.
• When Your Cat Needs Immediate Care: Some signs are serious enough that it is better not to wait and see what happens. Sudden weakness, breathing problems, or a rapid decline can require immediate veterinary attention.

Tick Prevention for Cats You Should Know

Ticks are widely distributed throughout different environments, which means cats can occasionally come across them even when they do not spend much time outside. Knowing where to look and what to watch for can make tick checks feel like a normal part of caring for a cat.

• Check your cat's fur and skin regularly, especially after outdoor time.
• Pay extra attention to the head, neck, ears, paws, and spaces between the toes.
• Gently run your hands through the fur to feel for small bumps you might not see right away.
• Look closely through thick fur, where ticks can be easy to miss.
• Check areas near animal resting places, as ticks usually stay where they have a chance to find a host.
• Keep grass and weeds trimmed around places where cats spend time.
• Clear away piles of leaves and thick vegetation around the home.
• Keep outdoor resting areas tidy and avoid letting vegetation become heavily overgrown.
• Check other pets in the household because ticks can sometimes be carried indoors by animals.
• Remember that adult ticks seek host animals when they are ready to feed.
• Keep in mind that ticks prefer certain environments, particularly areas with suitable vegetation and animal activity.
• Avoid home remedies like petroleum jelly, grease, or touching the rear of the tick with a hot match, as they can cause the tick to salivate and increase the risk of disease transmission.
• Take extra care in places where ticks are common, in woodland or other areas with dense vegetation.
• Know which tick species are found locally.
• Pay closer attention during periods when ticks can be active.
• If a tick is found, consider keeping the tick for identification rather than immediately throwing it away.
• Continue checking indoor cats because ticks can occasionally make their way inside even when a cat has not been outdoors recently.
• Do not assume ticks only affect outdoor cats, as indoor cats can also encounter them.

Final Thoughts

Finding a tick on your cat can be worrying, especially when it seems to appear out of nowhere. The good news is that finding a tick does not always mean your cat is sick.

If you spot one, removing it carefully and promptly can help limit the time it stays attached. Regular tick checks and cat-specific preventatives can also make future tick problems less likely.

Keep an eye on your cat afterwards for changes such as weakness, poor appetite, fever, or unusual behaviour. If anything seems off or you are unsure what to do, contact us and our professional vets can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I know if my cat was exposed to a tick?

It is not always easy to know if my cat was exposed to a tick just by looking at them. Some ticks can hide in the coat, so a quick check can be helpful, especially after outdoor time.

Check the coat: Look through the fur and feel for any small bumps.

Check the surroundings: Think about whether your cat has been near grass, wildlife, or other animals.

Look for a tick: A tick can be easy to miss when it is small or hidden under thick fur.

Save the tick: If you find one, keeping it may help the veterinary team identify it.

Can cats get different types of ticks?

Yes, cats can get different types of ticks depending on where they live and the areas they visit. It can be surprising to find a tick that is usually associated with another animal, but some ticks are less selective about their hosts.

American dog tick: This tick can feed on cats as well as other animals.

Brown dog ticks: Despite their name, these ticks can sometimes be found around cats and homes.

Different habitats: Tick species are more common in certain environments.

Local information: A veterinary professional can help identify which ticks may be a concern in your area.

Can ticks spread between animals like cats?

Ticks can feed on different animals during their life cycle, so cats are not the only possible hosts. Cats may get ticks after moving through an area where a tick is waiting for an animal to pass.

Different hosts: Ticks can feed on various animals during different life stages.

Wildlife: Wild animals can bring ticks into areas where pets spend time.

Other pets: Dogs and other animals can sometimes carry ticks into shared spaces.

The environment: A tick can leave one host and later attach to another animal.

Can female dog ticks lead to more ticks around cats?

A female dog tick lays a large number of eggs after feeding, which can eventually lead to more ticks in the environment where cats live or spend time. The eggs are not usually laid directly on a cat, but the ticks that develop from them may later attach to cats.

Many eggs: A female dog tick lays many eggs, which can contribute to a larger tick population in areas where cats may be exposed.

Eggs in the environment: The female usually leaves the host before laying eggs, so the eggs are generally found in the environment rather than on a cat.

Cats can encounter developing ticks: Once the eggs hatch and the ticks develop, cats may come into contact with them while moving through areas where ticks are present.

Why it matters for cats: A larger number of ticks in the environment means more opportunities for cats to encounter and pick up ticks.

When should you get veterinary help for a tick on your cat?

A tick on your cat is not always an emergency, but some situations are better handled by a veterinarian. It is especially worth getting help if the tick is difficult to remove or your cat starts acting unwell.

Difficult removal: A firmly attached tick may be easier and safer for a veterinarian to remove.

Sensitive areas: Extra care is needed if the tick is near the eyes, ears, or another delicate area.

Safe removal matters: Do not twist or jerk the tick as this may cause the tick to break apart during removal.

Changes in health: Contact a veterinary professional if your cat becomes weak, stops eating, develops a fever, or seems unusually unwell.