A tick has embedded in a cat, what should you do? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine‑pointed tweezers, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight upward without twisting; then clean the site with antiseptic, monitor for irritation, and consult a veterinarian if the cat shows signs of infection or illness.
A tick has embedded in a cat, what should you do? - in detail
When a tick attaches to a cat, immediate removal reduces the risk of disease transmission. Follow these steps:
- Inspect the animal – Run fingers over the fur, focusing on the head, neck, ears, and underbelly. Ticks appear as small, round bumps; their legs may be visible at the rear end.
- Gather tools – Use fine‑pointed tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal device, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution, and a clean container with a lid.
- Grasp the tick – Pinch the tick as close to the skin as possible, holding the mouthparts, not the body, to avoid crushing it.
- Extract steadily – Pull upward with constant, gentle pressure. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- Disinfect – Apply antiseptic to the bite site and wash hands thoroughly.
- Dispose safely – Place the tick in a sealed container; keep for several weeks in case identification is needed, then discard in household waste.
After removal, monitor the cat for at least two weeks. Watch for:
- Redness, swelling, or discharge at the bite site.
- Lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, or joint pain.
- Unusual behavior such as excessive scratching or licking.
If any of these signs appear, contact a veterinarian promptly. The clinician may recommend blood tests for tick‑borne pathogens such as Bartonella, Anaplasma, or Ehrlichia and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Preventive measures include:
- Applying veterinarian‑approved tick repellents or collars.
- Maintaining a clean yard, trimming grass, and removing leaf litter.
- Performing regular full‑body checks after outdoor exposure.
Consistent inspection and proper removal are the most effective defenses against tick‑related health issues in cats.