If you’re concerned your cat has been bitten by a tick, call your vet immediately. Difficulty swallowing or pooling saliva.A change in their walk or reluctance to jump.Weakness, particularly in their hind legs.Pale gums due to anaemia if there is a heavy tick infestation.īecause paralysis ticks produce neurotoxins, you might notice the following symptoms in your cat before you see the bite or the tick:.Swollen, red skin around the area of the bite.A tick crater – a wound where the tick’s head was attached.Symptoms that suggest a tick bite include: What Are The Symptoms Of A Cat Tick Bite? Additionally, their legs are spread along the sides of their body rather than grouped around their head. A bush tick’s body can be reddish brown to blue-black in colour depending on its level of engorgement. They may cause some skin irritation at the site of the bite and can potentially transmit tickborne diseases, but they don’t produce any harmful toxins.īush ticks are mostly found along the east coast of Australia, from Queensland down to Victoria, and look quite different from paralysis ticks when engorged. However, if there is a large infestation on the cat, they can cause anaemia. Bush ticks are less of a concern compared to paralysis ticks. They can be identified by their pale bodies when engorged, long mouthparts, and their legs grouped near their mouthpart rather than along their body. Paralysis ticks are found in warm, humid regions along the east coast of Australia. ![]() This neurotoxin, which affects the cat’s nervous system, can cause paralysis and death if the tick is not killed by tick preventatives or found, removed and treated quickly. Paralysis ticks are of most concern because they produce a neurotoxin in their salivary glands. Sometimes brown dog ticks may be found on cats, but they much prefer to bite dogs. The types of ticks most commonly found on cats are paralysis ticks and bush ticks. It is unlikely that you will be able to see the tick’s mouth as this is inserted under the cat’s skin. The area around the tick may be red and/or swollen and you may be able to see the tick’s legs along the sides of its body. Sometimes it is easier to feel them with your fingers rather than see them amongst the fur because they are so small.Ī tick can look like a brown or grey coloured bump on the cat’s skin, the size varying depending on how engorged (full of blood) the tick is. Ticks are extremely difficult to find when they first attach to your cat. Fortunately, there is plenty you can do to minimise the risk of tick bites and paralysis in your cat. A bite from these tiny arachnids can be fatal to small animals like cats. ![]() Ticks are one of the most concerning parasite s for Australian pet parents. Ticks On Cats Guide: Tick Identification & Bite Symptoms
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