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Posted By Bay Vets Editor
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Ticks : The Essential Guide for Cats on the Gold Coast
October to March is the height of the tick season, but ticks are an all year around threat to your cat.
To help you know what to look for, click on the link:
There are two main tick species that infest cats on the Gold Coast: paralysis ticks and bush ticks.
- Paralysis ticks: Found all along the east coast of Australia. Paralysis ticks are one of the most dangerous parasites that can affect your cat because they produce a toxin which causes tick paralysis.
- Bush ticks: found along parts of the east and west coast of Australia. Bush ticks on cats can cause skin irritation where they attach to the skin. Heavy infestations can lead to anaemia from excessive blood loss.
What does a tick look like on a cat?
- Ticks on cats tend to be about the size of an apple seed before they start feeding. After they attach to the skin and start feeding on their host’s blood, they become ‘engorged’ and increase in size. When this happens, they can be as big as your little fingernail. Ticks can vary greatly in appearance depending on the species of tick, how engorged they are, and which part of their life cycle they are in, so if you’re not sure if it’s a tick, it’s best to consult us and make a quick call (07) 5662 1234.
How do cats get ticks?
Cats will typically get ticks when they are exploring outdoors. Ticks crawl up low grass or shrubs and lie in wait for a host to brush past. The tick will use its front legs to grab on and then it crawls over or through the coat to find a suitable place to attach and feed.
The symptoms
The signs or symptoms caused by ticks vary depending on the species of tick. For example, paralysis tick symptoms may include one or more of the following:
- A change in voice (meow)
- Gagging
- Vomiting
- Loss of coordination of the back legs
- Difficulty standing
- Breathing difficulty
If you notice symptoms consistent with tick paralysis you should seek immediate veterinary attention.
Bush ticks do not cause paralysis but may result in inflammation of the skin at the attachment site.
Tick treatment for cats
Time is a critical factor: It is important as soon as possible if you see any potential signs or symptoms of tick paralysis, call Bay Vets on (07)5662 1234
After hours care: Call (07) 5559 1599
Tick paralysis treatment will vary depending on the severity of the signs – we will assess your cat and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
How to prevent ticks on cats
Using an effective tick control product all year-round is one of the most important ways to protect your cat against ticks. Treatments such as Nexgard or Bravecto can protect cats against ticks (as well as fleas, mites, heartworm, lungworm and intestinal worms (including tapeworms).
Even through approved tick control products are very effective and will control the vast majority of the ticks that your cat may be exposed to … it only takes one tick to cause tick paralysis.
For this reason, it is also important to perform daily tick searches on your cat if your cat is an outdoor cat.
Source: Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Australia
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