{"id":4646,"date":"2024-09-06T12:06:27","date_gmt":"2024-09-06T12:06:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/?p=4646"},"modified":"2025-10-31T13:09:37","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T13:09:37","slug":"cytauxzoonosis-in-cats-a-new-tick-borne-parasite-threatening-the-health-of-cats-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/dog-and-cat-parasites\/cytauxzoonosis-in-cats-a-new-tick-borne-parasite-threatening-the-health-of-cats-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Cytauxzoonosis in Cats: A New Tick-Borne Parasite Threatening the Health of Cats in India"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cytauxzoonosis in cats is a lesser-known disease caused by Cytauxzooan felis, a protozoan. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">C. felis<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is transmitted through tick bites (American dog tick and Lone-star tick). Although it is a common disease in the US among domestic cats, the number of cytauxzoonosis cases among cats is steadily increasing in India. This disease needs urgent medical attention and a visit to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/cat-clinic-near-me\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat clinic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> near you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reason for the steady rise of cytauxzoonosis in cats in India can be partly attributed to the lack of population control and partly due to the lack of external parasite control measures taken by cat parents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats are not a natural host for <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cytauxzoon felis<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Cats are usually considered to be an aberrant or end of the cycle host who get infected \u201cby chance\u201d through the bite of an infected dog tick. Thankfully, cats cannot become infected by C felis from the bite of another cat or by ingesting an infected tick.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs of cytauxzoonosis in cats<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The clinical signs of cytauxzoonosis in cats typically develop between 7 and 14 days after the tick bite.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4648\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Signs-of-Cytauxzoonosis-in-Cats.jpg\" alt=\"The image is a graphical representation of information titled \u201cSigns of Cytauxzoonosis in Cats\u201d by \u2018vetic\u2019. It is divided into two sections with a blue background. On the left side, under the heading \u201cEarly Signs (7-14 days post-tick bite):\u201d, there are four bullet points listing symptoms: Lethargy Loss of appetite Pale gums Breathing difficulty On the right side, under the heading \u201cAdvanced Signs:\u201d, there are six bullet points listing more severe symptoms: Anaemia, dehydration Yellowing mucous membranes (jaundice) Rapid heart\/respiratory rates Enlarged lymph nodes Fever, rapid collapse\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The early signs of cytauxzoonosis in cats are non-specific. They may include &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lethargy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pale gums<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/why-is-my-cat-panting-causes-and-effects-of-panting-in-cats\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breathing difficulty<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Further physical examination of the cat infected with cytauxzoonosis may reveal &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anaemia<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dehydration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yellowing mucous membrane<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid heart rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid respiratory rate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enlarged lymph nodes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/full\/10.1177\/1098612X15610681\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">disease is aggressive<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> since it is carried through the RBCs and they can affect multiple organs. Cytauxzoonosis also causes enlargement of the spleen and liver, and lung damage (pulmonary edema) within days of the initial signs, if left untreated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sadly, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/haemoprotozoa-in-cats-signs-causes-diagnosis-and-treatment\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">once the cat spikes a fever<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, complete collapse may occur within 3-4 days. However, that only occurs without timely diagnosis and treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, if your cat is suddenly showing a drop in energy level and loss of appetite, you should get a complete blood test done along with blood smear and rtPCR to determine the cause.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the last stages, the cat may become hypothermic (body temperature lower than 100-degrees fahrenheit), have frequent seizures and lapse into a coma followed by complete collapse.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How does cytauxzoonosis cause disease in cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4652\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/How-Cytauxzoonosis-Affects-Cats.jpg\" alt=\"The image is an informative graphic titled \u201cHow Cytauxzoonosis Affects Cats\u201d from \u2018vetic\u2019. It illustrates the disease progression of Cytauxzoonosis in cats through three main stages, each represented by a colored box with text and icons. First Stage (Pink Box): Icon: Magnifying glass over blood cells. Text: \u201cParasite infects white blood cells, spreading to vital organs (liver, spleen, lungs).\u201d Middle Stage (Blue Box): Icon: Red blood cells (RBCs) and a broken heart. Text: \u201cInfected RBCs cause rapid fever and organ damage.\u201d Final Stage (Green Box): Icon: Hourglass. Text: \u201cWithout treatment, collapse within 3-4 days.\u201d\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">C. felis<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is introduced into the cat\u2019s blood from the tick bite, the small, premature form of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.msdvetmanual.com\/circulatory-system\/blood-parasites\/cytauxzoonosis-in-cats\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">parasite (sporozoites) infect the white blood cells (macrophages)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Inside the macrophages, they reproduce to form a larger cell called the schizonts. These larger schizonts travel to almost all organs (spleen, liver, bone marrow and lung) via the bloodstream. They can clog the blood vessels leading to vital organs, stopping blood flow leading to necrosis and death of vital tissue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When these large cells or schizonts burst they release smaller parasitic cells called piroplasms that infect the RBCs (Red Blood Cells). Piroplasms remain in the RBC, but an acute rise of body temperature and fall of WBCs have been related to an increasing number of piroplasms in the RBC.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since it is impossible to rid the RBCs of the Cytozoon piroplasms, the cats that survive always carry the parasite in their blood but remain asymptomatic. Interestingly, most feline survivors of cytauxzoonosis have remained immune to the infection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How is cytauxzoonosis diagnosed in cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4651\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Diagnosing-Cytauxzoonosis-in-Cats.jpg\" alt=\"The image is an informative graphic related to veterinary medicine, specifically about diagnosing Cytauxzoonosis in cats. On the left side of the image, there is a stylized illustration of a grey and white cat sitting next to two bullet-point lists. The first list is labeled \u201cTESTS:\u201d and includes \u201cComplete blood count (CBC),\u201d \u201cBlood smear,\u201d and \u201cBiochemistry tests (LFT, KFT).\u201d The second list is labeled \u201cDIAGNOSIS INDICATORS:\u201d with points such as \u201cLow WBC, platelet count,\u201d \u201cHigh liver enzymes, bilirubin,\u201d and \u201cPresence of piroplasms or schizonts in blood smears.\u201d The background color is light blue with a darker blue header that reads \u201cDiagnosing Cytauxzoonosis in Cats\u201d in white text. There\u2019s also a logo at the top left corner that says \u2018vetic.\u2019\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosing cytauxzoonosis in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-care\/blood-tests-for-dogs-and-cats-the-complete-guide-for-pet-parents\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cats requires blood tests<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete blood count (CBC)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A blood smear\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Biochemistry tests (LFT, KFT)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CBC of a cat with cytauxzoonosis will slow low WBC and platelet count along with other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/what-is-anaemia-in-dogs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">signs of anaemia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Biochemistry tests often reveal a higher than normal bilirubin level (hyperbilirubinemia) and a low albumin level (hypoalbuminemia). Other abnormalities can include high liver enzymes in the blood, high blood urea-nitrogen and creatinine levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the stage of infection, the microscopic study of the blood smear can reveal the presence of piroplasms and schizonts. These are parasitic forms and are easily recognizable in blood smears from the stain they absorb.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if your cat\u2019s blood sample doesn\u2019t show the presence of piroplasms or schizonts, they might require a fine needle aspiration from their lymph nodes for confirmed diagnosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/common-cat-health-problems\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">signs of cytauxzoonosis in cats are similar to other infections<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a physical examination is never enough for a conclusive diagnosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the treatment for cytauxzoonosis in cats?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4649\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Treatment-for-Cytauxzoonosis-in-Cats.jpg\" alt=\"The image is a graphical representation, likely an informational card or poster, detailing the treatment for Cytauxzoonosis in cats. It is divided into three main sections with distinct headings: \u201cMedications,\u201d \u201cSupportive Care,\u201d and \u201cPrognosis.\u201d Each section has a corresponding icon: a pill bottle for Medications, a heart for Supportive Care, and a checkmark for Prognosis. Medications: Icon: Pill bottle. Text: \u201cAntiprotozoal drug + Antibiotic. 10-day combination therapy, followed by blood tests.\u201d Supportive Care: Icon: Heart. Text: \u201cFluids, oxygen therapy, nutritional support, possible blood transfusions.\u201d Prognosis: Icon: Checkmark. Text: \u201c64% recovery rate with timely treatment.\u201d The background color of each section varies from light blue to green to purple respectively. The title at the top reads \u201cTreatment for Cytauxzoonosis in Cats\u201d in bold white letters on a dark blue background. The logo \u2018vetic\u2019 appears at the top left corner suggesting that this might be produced by an organization or company named \u2018vetic.\u2019\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The treatment for cytauxzoonosis in cats involves the use of an antiprotozoal drug in combination with an antibiotic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although both drugs are widely available, you need to be cautious since at least one of them can cause <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesprucepets.com\/azithromycin-for-cats-6826609\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">serious side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, when not given the correct dose and frequency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The combination therapy typically lasts 10 days after which your vet will prescribe follow-up blood tests to ensure that your cat is free from the active infection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The treatment should be started as soon as you receive a diagnosis since the disease progresses very aggressively!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, severely sick cats require supportive care including fluids, nutritional support, oxygen therapy and blood transfusion(s). So, if your cat does have cytauxzoonosis, you should begin looking for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">holistic veterinary care providers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who have all the necessary life-saving services under one roof.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can a cat with cytauxzoonosis survive?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a cat receives proper treatment and supportive care for cytauxzoonosis, they can recover. Currently, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-0817\/12\/1\/133\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recovery rate of cats with cytauxzoonosis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> after receiving timely and correct treatment is close to 64%.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The mortality of infected cats without any treatment is nearly 100%.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, cats that survive the infection will remain a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9967219\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reservoir for <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cytauxzoon felis<\/span><\/i><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the rest of their lives. So, it\u2019s important to keep them indoors so as to not spread the disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, mention their infection history to the veterinarian every time you visit, so they can also take precautionary measures while vaccinating, drawing blood or cleaning a wound.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How can you prevent your cat from getting cytauxzoonosis?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4653\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Preventing-Cytauxzoonosis-in-Cats.jpg\" alt=\"The image has a blue background and is focused on the prevention of Cytauxzoonosis in cats. At the top, there\u2019s a logo or icon with the text \u201cvetic\u201d next to it. The main heading, in bold white letters, reads \u201cPreventing Cytauxzoonosis in Cats.\u201d Below this heading, there are three bullet points, each accompanied by a small tick mark icon: Use prescription tick-preventative medications (spot-on treatments). Keep cats indoors and apply preventatives to other pets. Consult your vet for ectoparasite and endoparasite prevention solutions.\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can always rely on prescription tick preventative medication (spot-on). In India, we do not yet have anti-tick or anti-flea chewables for cats, but we have broadspectrum spot-on solutions that provide protection against at least 10 parasites for a month.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/pet-consultation-near-me\">Speak to a veterinarian<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about ectoparasite and endoparasite preventives that you can apply by yourself at home. If you have other pets including dogs, you need to get them on a broad-spectrum tick, flea and other parasite preventives as well. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cytauxzoonosis in cats is a lesser-known disease caused by Cytauxzooan felis, a protozoan. C. felis is transmitted through tick bites (American dog tick and Lone-star tick). Although it is a&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":6017,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[103],"tags":[112,137,136],"class_list":["post-4646","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dog-and-cat-parasites","tag-cat-disease","tag-cat-health","tag-cat-treatment"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4646","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4646"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4646\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6627,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4646\/revisions\/6627"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6017"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4646"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4646"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4646"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}