Are cats susceptible to tick-related diseases?

Dogs can get serious illnesses from ticks. But what about cats? Cats are highly fastidious by nature, so if they’re walking outside through high grass and accidentally pick up a tick, they usually remove it before too long. That makes tick-transmitted diseases much less common in cats than in dogs.

But from time to time, your furry feline may wander in with a tick attached. If the tick is prominently displayed, remove it promptly by grasping it firmly as close to the cat’s skin as possible. Pull it straight out, like you would a splinter, to make sure you remove the tick’s mouthparts.

If ticks are a common problem for your cat, ask your veterinarian to recommend a repellant.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

• previous: What is Lyme Disease and How Can I Protect My Pet?
• next: What are common parasites and how can they be prevented?