Warning to pet owners this spring: Paralysis Tick cases rising

With a rise in cats coming into RSPCA care with paralysis from ticks, it’s a timely reminder that ticks are out in force and they can severely impact our pets’ health and in serious cases, can cause death.

Dr Sam Strong, RSPCA Vet says, “It's a little surprising given that we've only just hit spring, and this week alone we've had two tick cases each day come through. These can range from asymptomatic kittens to quite heavily paralysed animals that require oxygen supplementation.”

Are your pet’s tick preventatives up to date?

It’s important to ensure that your pet is up to date with their tick preventatives to protect them from harm.

You can use a tick or combined flea treatment to protect your pet from the risk of ticks. Chat to your vet about the best product for your pet. Tick preventatives such as Bravecto's Chews and Spot-on ranges, as well as tick collars and shampoos and rinses can help prevent nasty ticks from burrowing into your pet and causing sickness. View our full range of tick preventatives at RSPCA World for Pets.

Read more about:

• Where paralysis ticks are found
• What is ehrlichiosis in dogs 
• Symptoms of tick paralysis
• How to remove a tick from your pet
• What to do if you think your pet is suffering from tick paralysis

Dawn’s road to recovery

Beautiful Dawn is just one of several stray, sick cats in RSPCA care right now recovering from tick paralysis.

Depending on the severity, cats can require intensive care for several days due to the toxins pumped through their body from paralysis ticks.

In severe cases, they also require blood transfusions.

Benson’s brighter future

Beautiful Benson was found in a garden by caring members of the public. He was in a terrible way and struggling to move.

Our RSPCA Rescue Team were called and rushed him straight into our Domestic Hospital where he was given treatment for tick paralysis and placed on oxygen. Benson is doing much better today after several days of intensive care. He’s now recovering in a loving foster home until he’s ready to be placed up for adoption.

You can help pets like Dawn and Benson receive the life-saving care they need by donating today.

For more information about how to protect your cat from ticks, read our RSPCA knowledgebase.

Safe and happy cats at home

You can also learn more tips about how to keep your cats safe and happy at home on our Safe Cats and Happy Cats website.