The answer is yes! There have been cases of people contracting Lyme disease after being bitten by an infected cat tick; however there’s not enough research on this topic yet so it’s hard to know how often it happens or what makes some cats more likely to transmit the disease.
In general, any mammal can carry Lyme disease and can pass it on if they’re bitten by an infected tick.
It’s also important for pet owners to remember that cat ticks aren’t limited just to cats! There are many species of ticks that feed on a wide variety of animals so you want to be careful.
Although some people are immune to the itch caused by cat ticks, itchy welts are very common. These tiny, parasitic arachnids live on the host’s upper layer of skin and find it easy to live in pets with thick, double-layered fur.
The cat is more likely to notice the ticks than you are, since the ticks usually live in awkward places like the back of the ears or in the armpits. Cat ticks can also carry tapeworms, which may be transferred to you if you do not take care of the problem.
The good news is that cat ticks are easy to remove with a cottontail brush or moistened cotton swab.
- Cat ticks can carry tapeworms that may be transferred to humans if the problem is not taken care of.
- Although there are some people who are immune to cat tick bites, many suffer from itchy welts as a result and these tiny beings can live in pets with thick fur very easily.
- The good news for those susceptible to itchiness is that removing them can be done fairly easily by using either a cottontail brush or moistened cotton swabs–all you have to do is take care of the problem!
The dangers of Bartonella infections
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Bartonella infections are the most common tick-borne infection in the United States. Most people are exposed to Bartonella bacteria through the bite of a blood-feeding arthropod, like a cat or dog flea.
Others may become infected after a bite from an infected animal, like a squirrel or raccoon. Yet others may become infected after a bite from an infected cat or dog.
One of the most common diseases that can be transmitted from ticks to humans is Bartonella. This infection cause redness, swelling and may lead to a rash on one’s body. Upward of 60% of tick-borne illnesses are caused by this bacteria.
That number can increase when there is contact with other pets who have had contact with an infected animal or person in the household–Bartonella thrives in moist environments where skin touches, so it doesn’t take much for these organisms to spread quickly throughout your home!
The good news for those susceptible to itchiness is that removing them can be done fairly easily by using either a cottontail brush or moistened cotton swabs.
Common Signs of Bartonella in Cats
Perhaps the biggest problem with Bartonella is that it is underdiagnosed. In fact, most veterinarians are still unfamiliar with the disease, and some don’t test for it because they believe it is too uncommon. However, Bartonella is a lot more common than previously thought: experts now estimate that about 10 to 20 percent of all cats have it.
The flea is the most common carrier for Bartonella henselae bacteria, which causes the Bartonella infection in cats. Cats are also affected by other Bartonella strains, such as chenildigi, which is transmitted by sandfly bites.
Cats infected with Bartonella often show the following common symptoms or signs:
- fever,
- lethargy,
- anorexia,
- and enlarged lymph nodes.
The Modern Solution
Do you love animals? If yes, then you may also be familiar with Bartonella. It is a bacteria that cause a variety of symptoms in animals such as inflammation of the lymph nodes as well as heart and respiratory issues.
In the United States, there are about 100,000 cases of bartonellosis each year. However, there are several cases of bartonellosis that are being diagnosed in the United States that are much more serious.
Most veterinarians and doctors do not have training about bartonellosis. (This is especially true in areas where bartonellosis is not a known issue.)
In truth, the best way to prevent ticks is by taking action. Taking preventive measures can be easy and effective if you take them before an infestation has a chance to occur.
It’s important that those living in tick-prone areas have their lawns treated with pesticides on a regular basis; it also helps for homeowners to keep windows closed during the day and make note of any cracks or gaps where pests may enter so they can easily seal off access points!
If your home is prone to mosquitoes outside, then consider installing screens over doors and windows–not only will this protect against insects but also from cold drafts coming inside as well. Equally helpful are strategically placed fans which push air back out of open doorways like kitchen and bathroom openings.
As well, keep your grass trimmed as this can cut down on the number of ticks that find their way to family pets or those who live in the home (like children!).
You can also use a flea comb for short-haired breeds like cats and dogs; not only does it remove pests from fur but helps by removing eggs too which will prevent future infestations!
For pet owners living with outdoor animals such as horses, cows, goats and sheep be sure they’re checked regularly for any signs of tick bites–this includes giving them proper treatment if one is found so that an infestation doesn’t take hold!
Pets should never be allowed into areas where deer are present since these large mammals may carry diseases.
Other bacteria cats may carry
Cats are host to many types of bacteria that live in their mouth and skin. While most of these bacteria are harmless, your cat may also carry strains that could potentially be harmful to human health.
Some of the most common diseases cats may carry and transmit to humans are Salmonella, which can cause gastrointestinal illness, and Bartonella henselae, which can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome.
While some bacteria are bad for our health, many of them are essential for a healthy life. Research suggests that most of these little creatures help protect cats from infections, which may explain why cats that have been treated with antibiotics often get sick more frequently, suggesting that antibiotics damage the cat’s natural defenses against disease.
Bacteria are everywhere: on your hands, in the air, and even in your mouth. When a cat grooms itself, it passes some of these bacteria onto its fur, and then spreads it around its body through self-grooming. Unless your cat has “mated” with another cat, it won’t “share” any of its bacteria with your other cat.