Cat ears: ticks – how to treat them? - briefly
Remove ticks from the cat’s ear using fine‑pointed tweezers, grasping the tick close to the skin and pulling straight out, then disinfect the site with an appropriate antiseptic. If irritation, inflammation, or signs of disease appear, consult a veterinarian without delay.
Cat ears: ticks – how to treat them? - in detail
Ticks may attach to the external ear canal or the pinna of a cat, causing irritation, inflammation, and risk of disease transmission. Early detection relies on visual inspection of the ear’s hairline, folds, and the entrance to the ear canal. Look for small, engorged parasites, often darkened after feeding.
Removal procedure
- Restrain the animal securely, preferably with a helper.
- Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool; grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Apply steady, upward traction without twisting to avoid mouth‑part rupture.
- Disinfect the bite site with a mild antiseptic solution (chlorhexidine 0.05 % or povidone‑iodine).
If the mouth parts remain embedded, seek veterinary assistance to prevent secondary infection. After removal, monitor the ear for swelling, discharge, or persistent scratching. Persistent signs may indicate secondary otitis or a transmitted pathogen; a veterinary examination is warranted.
Pharmacological options
- Topical acaricides approved for feline use (e.g., fipronil‑based spot‑on products) can be applied to the base of the ears, following label instructions.
- Systemic treatments such as oral ivermectin or milbemycin oxime are effective against immature tick stages; dosage must be prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Anti‑inflammatory agents (non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids) may be administered to reduce ear inflammation, under professional guidance.
Preventive measures
- Maintain regular grooming, especially during outdoor activity seasons.
- Apply a monthly spot‑on acaricide to the cat’s skin, avoiding direct contact with the ear canal.
- Inspect the environment: keep grass and leaf litter trimmed, and treat indoor bedding with appropriate repellents.
- Conduct weekly ear checks, focusing on the inner folds and canal entrance.
Follow‑up care
- Re‑examine the ear after 24–48 hours to ensure complete wound healing.
- Record any adverse reactions to topical or systemic agents.
- Schedule a veterinary check‑up within a week of tick exposure to assess for vector‑borne diseases such as cytauxzoonosis or ehrlichiosis.
Proper tick management in the feline ear region reduces the likelihood of infection, minimizes discomfort, and protects overall health.