Can cats get Lyme and Rocky Mountain Fever from ticks?
Sep.19, 2011 in
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My cat was treated with front line but somehow still picked up a tick. We removed the tick head intact. From the research we’ve done I know it was still a nymph tick not able to reproduce. But I haven’t been able to find out anything on if cats can be affected by the tick bourne diseases and if they are the same symptoms as what humans have. Anybody have any references out there to look at that are cat specific. The cats are indoor and we took them out on a leash and discovered it and searched them for any others so I don’t have to worry about an infestation.
September 19th, 2011 at 10:38 pm
Cats can get Lyme disease.
http://www.messybeast.com/lyme.htm
http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/lyme.html
http://www.weather.com/outlook/homeandgarden/pets/articles/c51
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ticks/page2_em.htm
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September 20th, 2011 at 12:36 am
Yes, cats can get tick-borne diseases like lyme, rocky mountain spotted fever, and tick paralysis.
There is a very low chance that your cat was infected with any of these diseases. It takes some time for ticks to transmit disease.
The symptoms of lyme disease in cats and dogs are much the same as in humans, but you can’t see the usual bullseye marking on the skin because of the fur, so lyme isn’t usually detected by owners until the animal begins to have arthritic problems.
Your Vet can do a simple test for tick-related diseases at any appointment. If your cat goes outside often it’s best to get that sort of testing done once a year.
I have an associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology.
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September 20th, 2011 at 2:37 am
They can get a number of diseases from ticks, but until it shows any signs of sickness, don’t worry.
Also, be VERY careful of ehrlichiosis. My dog got that from a tick and very nearly died. Spent thousands, when all he needed was an anitbiotic for a few bucks.
I have an associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology.
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