A cat has a subcutaneous tick, what should be done? - briefly
When a cat carries a tick lodged beneath the skin, a veterinarian must be consulted to surgically remove the parasite and evaluate the animal for any transmitted infections.
A cat has a subcutaneous tick, what should be done? - in detail
A feline discovered with a tick embedded beneath the skin requires immediate attention. The parasite is not visible on the surface, so visual inspection alone may miss it. Prompt removal prevents inflammation, infection, and potential disease transmission.
Assessment
- Conduct a thorough physical examination, palpating the skin along the spine, neck, and limbs for small, firm nodules.
- Observe for signs of irritation, swelling, or secondary infection such as redness, pus, or excessive licking.
- Consider a veterinary visit if the cat shows lethargy, fever, or unexplained weight loss, which may indicate tick‑borne illness.
Removal Procedure
- Prepare a clean work area and gather sterile gloves, fine‑pointed tweezers or a tick‑removal tool, antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine), and a small gauze pad.
- Immobilize the cat gently; a helper can hold the animal while you work.
- Grasp the tick’s mouthparts as close to the skin as possible without crushing the body.
- Apply steady, even pressure to pull the parasite out in one motion. Avoid twisting, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- Inspect the extracted tick; if mouthparts remain in the tissue, seek veterinary assistance for surgical removal.
Post‑Removal Care
- Clean the puncture site with antiseptic and dab dry with gauze.
- Monitor the area for 24‑48 hours; any increase in swelling, discharge, or persistent pain warrants veterinary evaluation.
- Administer a broad‑spectrum topical antibiotic ointment if recommended by a veterinarian.
- Keep the cat’s environment free of ticks by using approved ectoparasitic preventatives (spot‑on treatments, collars, oral medications) and regularly inspecting outdoor areas.
Preventive Measures
- Perform weekly full‑body checks, especially after outdoor exposure.
- Maintain a tidy yard, removing tall grass and leaf litter where ticks thrive.
- Consult a veterinarian to establish a year‑round tick control program tailored to the cat’s lifestyle and health status.
Prompt identification, careful extraction, and diligent follow‑up reduce the risk of complications and protect the cat’s overall health.