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Fleas and ticks: is my pet at risk?

Your cat needs prompt attention if these parasites make an appearance.

November 2, 2026
Estimated reading time 3 min read

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The trouble with ticks1

Hundreds of species of ticks have been identified worldwide, yet only a dozen or so are associated with transmitting a serious disease to cats and in Australia they are capable of causing tick paralysis which can be deadly.

Outdoor cats are more likely to pick up a tick than indoor ones. Nonetheless, a tick that you unwittingly carry home on your own clothing, shoes, or skin can end up hitching a ride on your cat even if he never ventures outside.

Check your cat2, 3

Long-haired cats and those with dark coats are more vulnerable to tick since these pests can burrow into the fur and remain undiscovered until they are engorged with blood. It is easier to find a tick on cats with shorter coats and lighter hair.

A tick can attach itself anywhere on your cat’s body, but most burrow into the face, neck, ears, feet, or legs. Once there, it stays until you remove it or it becomes so engorged with blood after 3 to 4 days of sucking that it drops off. At this point, female ticks also lay eggs.

Starting at your cat’s head, examine the inside and outside of his ears. Continue along your cat’s body, checking for bumps around the collar and continuing to his rear, including under the tail, and around the anus. Also, check his underside.

If you find a tick

If you find a tick it is important to remove it as quickly as possible. Once a female paralysis tick has been attached for 3 days it can lead to signs of tick paralysis and even death. Paralysis ticks in cats can cause a variety of signs including a change in meow, wobbly back legs and gagging or vomiting. Tick paralysis can also affect their breathing leading to noisy or grunting breathing. It is important to seek veterinary treatment without delay.

Protecting your cat

Even if your pet never leaves the house, if you live on the east coast of Australia and are in a tick paralysis area, it is vital to protect him from ticks and search for ticks every day. And spring and summer aren’t the only seasons when fleas and ticks are active. The warmth of a heated home can also serve as a tick breeding ground.

Note: Many products that kill ticks, particularly ones designed specifically for use on dogs, can be toxic to cats. For example, permethrin is a commonly used insecticide safe for dogs. But it’s toxic to cats, and cats that come into close contact with recently treated dogs can become sick.4

Bravecto spot on for Cats and Bravecto Plus for Cats for Cats can help protect your cat from fleas and ticks and is available from your veterinarian or local pet store.

References

  1. Ticks and Your Cat. Cornell Feline Health Center. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/ticks-and-your-cat
  2. How to Remove a Tick from a Cat. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/cat/care/how-remove-tick-cat
  3. Does My Cat Have Ticks? PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/cat/parasites/evr_ct_does_my_cat_have_ticks
  4. Feline Toxins to Steer Clear of This Kitten Season. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. June 9, 2021. https://www.aspca.org/news/feline-toxins-steer-clear-kitten-season

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