12:00 PM
-
0
Comments
Penned by Dr Claire Jenkins, Founder and CEO at VetChat
As temperatures soar across Australia and we edge closer to summer, the activity of one of our pets’ most persistent parasites also increases - the tick. Between October and March, and particularly after heavy rainfall or humid spells, ticks become increasingly active.
While dog owners are often more alert to the danger, cats are also vulnerable, especially those allowed outdoors or living near bushland and coastal areas.
Even a single tick burden can cause major illness. Beyond local irritation and infection, some tick species, such as the paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus), release a powerful toxin that can lead to paralysis and, in severe cases, death.
Preventing problems is always the priority, but recognising the early warning signs and responding quickly is just as essential for keeping cats safe.
Where and When Ticks Strike
Paralysis ticks are most common along Australia’s east coast, from North Queensland to Victoria. In the tropics, they’re a year-round hazard, but further south, they peak in spring and early summer, particularly around the months of October and November.
During these warmer months, VetChat typically sees a 33 per cent increase in consultations related to tick paralysis. Although national data for cats alone is limited, studies suggest that about 10,000 companion animals (dogs and cats combined) are affected by tick paralysis each year in Australia.[1] A 14-year review of two emergency clinics in South-East Queensland recorded 3,696 cats treated for tick paralysis between 2008 and 2021, translating to more than 260 cases per clinic, per year.[2]
Tick numbers also fluctuate depending on rainfall. Wet seasons fuel higher infestations, while consistent use of effective preventatives can dramatically reduce case numbers. Indoor-only cats are at much lower risk, but outdoor cats, or even those that sunbathe on balconies or venture into gardens, can easily pick up a tick.
Recognising the Signs
Cats often display subtler symptoms than dogs, which can delay treatment. Early indicators typically include:
Because the tick toxin binds to nerves, every hour makes a difference. The antiserum used by veterinarians neutralises the toxin still circulating in the bloodstream but cannot undo damage already done. Cats treated promptly have a mortality rate of about 2 per cent, compared with 7 per cent in dogs [3], but outcomes are far worse for pets that don’t receive care quickly.
Why Cats React Differently
Cats experience tick paralysis differently from dogs. Paralysis usually begins in the hind limbs but may spare the tail. They are also more prone to allergic reactions to tick antiserum, with approximately 9 per cent of treated cats showing some degree of hypersensitivity [4], particularly if they’ve received the antiserum before. Their heightened stress response can further exacerbate breathing difficulties, making calm handling and early veterinary intervention vital.
Prevention is the Best Protection
A few simple routines can greatly reduce the risk of tick bites:
If You Find a Tick
Remove the tick as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool, grasping close to the skin and pulling steadily. Keep the tick for identification and monitor your cat closely for at least 48 hours. If weakness, vomiting, or breathing changes appear, contact a vet immediately.
For cat owners in regional or remote areas, where the nearest 24-hour clinic may be one or two hours away, veterinary telehealth providers can offer instant triage advice. This will help determine whether to monitor at home or start the drive to an emergency centre, though hands-on treatment with anti-serum must always be delivered at a clinic.
Shared Responsibility
The good news is that while ticks are a seasonal threat, they're largely preventable. By staying aware of your surroundings, doing regular tick checks, and keeping up with preventive measures, you can effectively protect your cat against paralysis ticks.
About the Author
Dr Claire Jenkins is the Founder and CEO of VetChat, holding a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with Honours (BVSc (Hons)) and being admitted as a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Medicine (MANZCVS (SAM)).
With sixteen years of experience as a Small Animal Veterinarian in the UK, Sydney, and Melbourne, Claire is deeply passionate about preventative care and early intervention, believing that easy access to the right advice drives better health outcomes for pets. She founded VetChat in 2015 to make expert veterinary counsel readily available, pulling together a team of highly respected veterinarians. Claire is a lifelong animal lover, particularly to her own pets: Red (rescue Kelpie), Rosie (beloved Birman), and Rex (baby Standard Poodle).
Connect with VetChat:
Where and When Ticks Strike
Paralysis ticks are most common along Australia’s east coast, from North Queensland to Victoria. In the tropics, they’re a year-round hazard, but further south, they peak in spring and early summer, particularly around the months of October and November.
During these warmer months, VetChat typically sees a 33 per cent increase in consultations related to tick paralysis. Although national data for cats alone is limited, studies suggest that about 10,000 companion animals (dogs and cats combined) are affected by tick paralysis each year in Australia.[1] A 14-year review of two emergency clinics in South-East Queensland recorded 3,696 cats treated for tick paralysis between 2008 and 2021, translating to more than 260 cases per clinic, per year.[2]
Tick numbers also fluctuate depending on rainfall. Wet seasons fuel higher infestations, while consistent use of effective preventatives can dramatically reduce case numbers. Indoor-only cats are at much lower risk, but outdoor cats, or even those that sunbathe on balconies or venture into gardens, can easily pick up a tick.
Recognising the Signs
Cats often display subtler symptoms than dogs, which can delay treatment. Early indicators typically include:
- A change in the voice - a hoarser or weaker meow.
- Unsteady hind legs or difficulty jumping.
- Lethargy, vomiting, or trouble swallowing.
- Altered breathing - sometimes slower rather than faster, which can look deceptively calm.
Because the tick toxin binds to nerves, every hour makes a difference. The antiserum used by veterinarians neutralises the toxin still circulating in the bloodstream but cannot undo damage already done. Cats treated promptly have a mortality rate of about 2 per cent, compared with 7 per cent in dogs [3], but outcomes are far worse for pets that don’t receive care quickly.
Why Cats React Differently
Cats experience tick paralysis differently from dogs. Paralysis usually begins in the hind limbs but may spare the tail. They are also more prone to allergic reactions to tick antiserum, with approximately 9 per cent of treated cats showing some degree of hypersensitivity [4], particularly if they’ve received the antiserum before. Their heightened stress response can further exacerbate breathing difficulties, making calm handling and early veterinary intervention vital.
Prevention is the Best Protection
A few simple routines can greatly reduce the risk of tick bites:
- Daily Tick Checks: After time outdoors, run your fingers gently over your cat’s body, especially the head, neck, ears, and under the collar to check for lumps.
- Vet-Recommended Preventatives: Use ‘spot-on’ products or tick collars suited to cats. Never use dog formulations, which can be toxic for cats.
- Home Maintenance: Keep grass short, remove leaf litter, and limit access to dense vegetation where ticks thrive.
- Know the Symptoms: Quick recognition means faster treatment and better outcomes.
If You Find a Tick
Remove the tick as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool, grasping close to the skin and pulling steadily. Keep the tick for identification and monitor your cat closely for at least 48 hours. If weakness, vomiting, or breathing changes appear, contact a vet immediately.
For cat owners in regional or remote areas, where the nearest 24-hour clinic may be one or two hours away, veterinary telehealth providers can offer instant triage advice. This will help determine whether to monitor at home or start the drive to an emergency centre, though hands-on treatment with anti-serum must always be delivered at a clinic.
Shared Responsibility
The good news is that while ticks are a seasonal threat, they're largely preventable. By staying aware of your surroundings, doing regular tick checks, and keeping up with preventive measures, you can effectively protect your cat against paralysis ticks.
About the Author
With sixteen years of experience as a Small Animal Veterinarian in the UK, Sydney, and Melbourne, Claire is deeply passionate about preventative care and early intervention, believing that easy access to the right advice drives better health outcomes for pets. She founded VetChat in 2015 to make expert veterinary counsel readily available, pulling together a team of highly respected veterinarians. Claire is a lifelong animal lover, particularly to her own pets: Red (rescue Kelpie), Rosie (beloved Birman), and Rex (baby Standard Poodle).
Connect with VetChat:
- Website: https://www.vetchat.com.au
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VetChat
- Instagram: @vetchataustralia
References
Tick Paralysis of Animals in Australia (General prevalence statistic: 10,000 companion animals affected annually) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342384912_Tick_Paralysis_of_Animals_in_Australia
Reduced incidence of tick paralysis cases in dogs and cats at two emergency clinics in South-East Queensland since 2015: new generation prophylactics as possible explanatory variables (14-year cat case review in SEQ) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37503789/
Clinical presentations, treatments and risk factors for mortality in cats with tick paralysis caused by Ixodes holocyclus: 2077 cases (2008–2016) (Cat mortality rate statistic) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11104066/
Reactions to tick antitoxin serum and the role of atropine in treatment of dogs and cats with tick paralysis caused by Ixodes holocyclus: a pilot survey (Antiserum hypersensitivity statistic) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11491215/
Related Stories
