Ticks on Cats
Each tick species does have a preferred host, although most ticks will feed on whatever blood is available to them. Thus, ticks are known not only to bite livestock, deer, humans and dogs: they may also choose domestic cats as hosts.
Felines that frequent bushes, grasslands or other tick-infested areas are susceptible to tick bites. As most pet cats do spend time in areas favored by tick populations, it is not uncommon to find tick specimens feeding from them.
Like dogs and humans, cats may contract a variety of diseases from ticks, including Lyme disease. Symptoms of Lyme disease include fatigue, fever and loss of appetite. If left untreated, a cat's kidneys and heart may be affected. Some cats are also allergic to tick bites and develop local inflammation, known as a hot spot, at the bite site. Cats tend to chew and lick these inflamed areas, causing the condition to worsen.
Regular checkups can prevent your pet from contracting a tick-borne disease. Feeding ticks should be removed as soon as they are discovered. Many treatments are also available from your veterinarian's office for tick control and prevention.
