What are ticks?
Ticks are
small (up to 1cm long), greyish, bean-shaped insects that attach themselves to
cats and feed off their blood. Frequently found on the ears, face or legs,
ticks are predominantly active during the spring and early summer and from late
summer into autumn.
They're often found in woodland, and rough grassland such as heath or moorland, and in areas populated by deer and other livestock.
They're often found in woodland, and rough grassland such as heath or moorland, and in areas populated by deer and other livestock.
Ticks can
also carry a number of other potentially serious infectious diseases.
Fortunately diseases from tick-borne infections are rare in the UK although
Lyme disease is one potential risk that has been reported. Ticks in European
countries including France and Germany can transmit a number of exotic and
potentially serious diseases including babesiosis and ehrlichiosis.
How can I tell if my cat has ticks?
Ticks attach
to the skin of cats and look like bean-shaped warts. However, careful
examination with a magnifying glass at the base of suspect 'warts' may reveal
the parasite's legs! The common ticks seen in the UK may vary in size from a
few millimetres to over 1cm in length and from pale white in appearance to grey
and bluish-black. While a single tick may go unnoticed on cats, they may be
painful and in large numbers can lead to anaemia.
Treatment
Ticks are
often difficult to remove as their mouthparts can remain embedded in the cat's
skin, which may lead to irritation, infection and abscesses. Your should
therefore ask your vet's advice regarding treatment and the correct technique
for removal.
A variety of
topical products are available to help control ticks. For further information,
contact your vet, country store, pet shop or pharmacist.
Author: Alison Glennon
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