Rarer than fleas, but much more destructive, ticks are parasites that infest especially outdoor cats. It is essential to spot them and remove them as soon as possible before they transmit serious diseases to your pet.
Description and way of life of ticks
Ticks are mites from 3 to 16 mm with 8 legs and usually a brown colour. Unlike fleas, they do not jump and fly. In France, there are about forty species, but only a dozen can infect pets and humans. They usually live in forests, gardens and scrub and grow more in the spring and fall. Ticks like mild temperatures. To be able to feed, they need hosts, in this case, the cat. The parasite attaches itself to its coat as the cat moves through brush or grass. As it is a hematophagous insect, it feeds on blood. He prefers to hide on places where the skin is thin like the ears or the neck.
Diseases transmitted by this parasite
Ticks are a real health hazard for humans and pets. They can indeed transmit many diseases such as borreliosis which in case of zoonosis, can affect the man. This disease caused by the bacteria called Borrelia burgorferi causes skin problems, heart and kidney disorders, ganglia, nervous disorders to lead to the death of the feline. Another disease transmitted by this parasite to the cat is ehrlichiosis, which causes joint pains, fever or depression. Decreases in blood cells are also noted.
The technique to remove ticks
Ticks must be removed no later than 24 hours after implantation. Beyond that, it gives them time to transmit pathogens to the cat. To remove them, first think of putting on gloves so that they do not infect you with their bacteria, including those responsible for Lyme disease. Above all, do not pull on the body of the tick because the head can continue to be planted in the skin. It is better to use special hooks available from veterinarians or pharmacies for 4 euros. Approach the hook and make a rotary motion as to unscrew. Burn the parasite and clean the infected area with Hexomedine or dermal Betadine. Before the operation, avoid at all costs the use of ether or alcohol, because they tend to promote the secretion of the saliva of the tick, which increases the risk of contagion.
Prevention solutions
To prevent your cat from being implanted with ticks, it is preferable that it stays as much as possible in the house and that it does not frequently brush and woods. If this is not possible and he likes too much outdoor life, inspect his coat daily with a brush after his exits. Ideally, it is better to opt for spot-on pest control treatments that apply to the skin. These products normally help to fight against other parasites such as fleas.
