Cat subcutaneous tick: what to do, are there photos? - briefly
If a tick is lodged beneath a cat’s skin, have a veterinarian surgically remove it and assess the need for antibiotics or anti‑inflammatory treatment; imaging may be used to verify depth. Photographic documentation of subcutaneous tick infestations can be found in veterinary reference books and online case reports.
Cat subcutaneous tick: what to do, are there photos? - in detail
A subcutaneous tick embedded in a cat’s skin differs from a surface‑attached parasite. The tick’s head remains beneath the epidermis, making it difficult to see and to extract with standard tools.
Recognition
- Small, raised nodule, often pink or reddish, may be tender.
- Swelling may persist after the tick dies.
- Occasionally a tiny puncture mark is visible at the centre of the nodule.
Immediate actions
- Restrain the cat gently to prevent injury.
- Disinfect the area with a mild antiseptic (e.g., chlorhexidine solution).
- Apply a warm compress for 2–3 minutes to soften surrounding tissue.
- Use fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal device to grasp the tick’s mouthparts as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull steadily along the axis of the body; avoid twisting, which can break the mouthparts.
- If the tick’s head breaks off, leave the fragment in place; it will be expelled by the immune response or can be removed later with a sterile needle.
Post‑removal care
- Clean the bite site with antiseptic and monitor for swelling, redness, or discharge.
- Administer a short course of a veterinary‑approved anti‑inflammatory or antibiotic if secondary infection is suspected.
- Observe the cat for signs of systemic illness (fever, lethargy, loss of appetite) for up to two weeks; contact a veterinarian if any appear.
Prevention
- Apply a veterinarian‑recommended topical or oral ectoparasiticide according to the product schedule.
- Inspect the cat’s coat weekly, especially after outdoor exposure, and perform a thorough skin check.
- Keep the environment free of tall grass and leaf litter where ticks thrive.
Availability of visual references
- Veterinary textbooks and peer‑reviewed articles contain high‑resolution photographs of subdermal tick lesions.
- Online databases such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) image repository and the International Society for Companion Animal Parasites host diagnostic images.
- A simple search using terms “cat subdermal tick” on reputable veterinary sites yields multiple photographs illustrating typical presentations and removal techniques.
When to seek professional help
- Inability to extract the tick completely.
- Rapidly expanding swelling or ulceration.
- Signs of anemia, jaundice, or neurological disturbances, which may indicate tick‑borne disease transmission.
Prompt, proper removal combined with vigilant monitoring reduces the risk of complications and supports the cat’s recovery.