How are ticks treated in cats? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine‑point tweezers, pulling steadily from the skin, then clean the site with a mild antiseptic. Follow with a veterinary‑approved topical or oral acaricide to prevent further infestation.
How are ticks treated in cats? - in detail
Ticks attach to a cat’s skin, feed on blood, and can transmit diseases. Prompt removal and appropriate medication prevent complications.
First step is physical extraction. Use fine‑point tweezers or a tick‑removal tool to grasp the parasite as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady pressure; avoid twisting, which may leave mouthparts embedded. After removal, clean the bite site with mild antiseptic and monitor for inflammation.
Pharmacological options include:
- Topical acaricides (e.g., fipronil, selamectin, imidacloprid) applied to the dorsal neck region. These products kill attached ticks and protect against future infestations for several weeks.
- Oral systemic agents (e.g., sarolaner, afoxolaner) administered as chewable tablets. They circulate in the bloodstream, eliminating ticks that bite the animal.
- Spot‑on formulations containing permethrin are prohibited for cats due to toxicity; only cat‑safe products should be used.
Veterinary prescription may be required for certain medications, especially those addressing tick‑borne pathogens such as Bartonella or Ehrlichia. Blood tests confirm infection; treatment then involves antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline) tailored to the identified organism.
Environmental control reduces reinfestation risk:
- Vacuum carpets, bedding, and upholstery daily; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately.
- Wash the cat’s bedding and any removable fabrics in hot water (>60 °C) weekly.
- Apply a residual acaricide to indoor areas where the cat roams, following label instructions.
- Maintain the yard by trimming grass, removing leaf litter, and treating perimeters with cat‑safe tick repellents.
After treatment, observe the cat for at least two weeks. Look for signs of anemia, lethargy, fever, or joint swelling, which may indicate disease transmission. If symptoms appear, seek veterinary evaluation promptly.
Regular preventive schedules—monthly topical or oral products—provide the most reliable protection against tick exposure. Adjust the regimen based on the cat’s lifestyle, outdoor access, and regional tick prevalence.