Tick-borne encephalitis in cats is a consequence of a tick bite. The disease develops in both stray and domestic animals, which is explained by the transfer of the tick by the owner of the cat from the street through clothes and shoes. If the mite does bite the cat, it is necessary to get rid of the parasite as soon as possible, otherwise the cat will develop otodectosis or pyroplasmosis.
During the incubation period of the disease, the cat behaves as usual. However, when it ends, it becomes lethargic, sedentary and loses its appetite. In almost all cases the disease takes an acute form, which is expressed in the following signs:
- pallor of the mucous membranes;
- increased thirst with little appetite;
- increase in body temperature;
- Change of color of urine from reddish to dark, sometimes black.
Favorite places of mites are the ears, armpits, abdomen and inguinal area of the animal. It is not difficult to see the parasite on the body, you just have to feel the hair with your fingers. If the mite looks like a dark seed, then it has only recently begun sucking blood. Get rid of the mite this way:
- Wearing gloves you treat the bite place on the cat’s body with vegetable oil. This way you cut off the insect’s oxygen, and it will suffocate;
- Wrap a strong thick thread around the body of the tick at the head, swing it and pull it upwards. Perform all manipulations carefully; Treat the wound with iodine or alcohol;
- Observe the cat’s condition after removing the mite. If her behavior changed for the worse, take her to the vet immediately.