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Identifying 6 Ticks on Cats and Dogs
Ticks split into hard (Ixodidae, the important veterinary group) and soft (Argasidae). Hard ticks carry viruses, bacteria, and protozoa and cause tick paralysis and toxicosis. The six: Amblyomma (colorful, often a white 'lone star' spot; three-host); Hyalomma (long mouthparts, eyes, no color; Africa/Asia/Australia, not the Americas); Ixodes (anal groove in front of the anus; main Lyme vector in the US); Rhipicephalus (pseudohead hexagonal, dog-specialized; brown dog tick all stages on dogs); Haemaphysalis (palps wider than long); and Argas (soft tick, granular surface, feeds on birds at night). Know them to manage parasites and disease.
How Cats Catch Parasites
Parasites reach cats through many routes, so even strictly indoor cats are at risk. Mother-to-kitten transmission passes some larvae via placenta or milk (e.g., toxoplasma). Ingestion brings eggs or infected hosts (cockroaches, fleas, mice, sparrows)—even sealed cat food isn't sterile. Some larvae burrow through paw skin (hookworm). Vectors like mosquitoes spread heartworm; fleas host tapeworm. Direct and indirect contact (shared bedding) also transmit. Because external parasites often host internal ones, treat both together.
How to Tell If Your Cat Has Parasites
Kittens often get parasites from mother's milk; adults pick up eggs or infected prey. Knowing the warning signs lets you act early. External parasites are visible: itching, hair loss, lice clinging to skin, white flea eggs, and black specks (flea dirt) that turn red in water—which also hints at tapeworm, since fleas host it. Internal parasites show as dull coat, pale gums (anemia), tarry stool, vomiting, appetite loss, swollen belly, lethargy, or visible worms/segments in stool. See an online vet or clinic for a test.