Tick bite – the cat is particularly vulnerable to an arachnid attack. Learn about prevention methods
What does the bite look like? Cats, just like humans, are exposed to tick attacks, which can have very serious health consequences. Due to its thick fur, it is sometimes very difficult to spot a tick on your pet. Outdoor cats are particularly susceptible to tick attacks, but remember that outdoor cats may also be exposed to ticks that can be brought into the home by a dog or a person.
During the period of increased tick activity, which occurs in spring at the turn of April and May, it is worth taking preventive measures to specifically protect your pet. The most frequently used methods to reduce the risk of tick infestation in cats include, for example, the use of an insecticidal collar. Anti-tick collar and other parasites, e.g. fleas, is distinguished not only by its high effectiveness, but also by its long duration of action. It is especially recommended for outdoor cats. Other methods of protecting cats against ticks include: tick sprayswhich can be used ad hoc, mainly in the case of indoor cats and preparations that are instilled into the neck of the animal.
How to remove a tick from a cat? We give you a hint
How to remove it from a cat? The use of even a wide range of protection against ticks is never 100% safe. Therefore, it is worth knowing how to behave if our pet is attacked. Ticks on cats can cause a number of dangerous diseases, so quick and effective action is necessary.
So how to remove a tick from a cat? First of all, before starting this activity, you should also take care of your own protection. It is best to remove a tick from a cat protective gloves – we are then guaranteed no direct contact with the tick and its secretions. The arachnid can be pulled out, e.g tweezerstrying to catch the parasite as close to the pet’s skin as possible. Do not lubricate the tick with any preparations. The injection site should be decontaminate and observe. It may be red and swollen for a few days.
If we have no experience in removing ticks from cats or are afraid to do it ourselves, it is better to go to a veterinarian. Incorrect removal of a tick from a pet may result in leaving a fragment of the parasite in the pet’s body. Please remember that time is of the essence. Transmission of pathogenic pathogens most often occurs approximately 24 hours after injection.
Babesiosis or Lyme disease – what are the most dangerous tick-borne diseases?
Babesiosis is one of the most dangerous tick-borne diseases diagnosed in animals. It mainly affects dogs, while the development of the disease in cats is rather rare. Dog owners should pay special attention to symptoms such as: lethargy, fatigue, lack of desire to play, apathy and a characteristic dark brown color of urine. If you observe the above symptoms, urgent consultation with a veterinarian is necessary.
When talking about ticks, many people probably first think of Lyme disease. Lyme disease, next to tick-borne encephalitis, is one of the most serious complications of contact with an infected tick in humans. Lyme disease can develop not only in humans, but also in dogs. In the case of cats, the disease develops extremely rarely, and there are even claims that cats are immune to it.
Anaplasmosis – what is it and how does it manifest itself?
Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease that affects both humans and animals. It is more often diagnosed in dogs than cats, but it produces very similar symptoms. The main symptoms of anaplasmosis in animals include:
- changes in behavior manifested by apathy and noticeable sadness;
- lack of desire for physical activity resulting from muscle pain;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- fever;
- sometimes vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
If you observe the above-mentioned symptoms or any disturbing changes in the animal’s behavior, it is recommended to immediately consult a veterinarian. Quick treatment minimizes the risk of serious complications for our pet.
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Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
