How can a subcutaneous tick be removed from a cat? - briefly
Make a tiny sterile incision over the embedded tick, then pull the parasite out with fine forceps, taking care to remove all mouthparts; clean and disinfect the wound afterward. If the tick cannot be seen clearly, seek veterinary assistance.
How can a subcutaneous tick be removed from a cat? - in detail
Removing a tick that has embedded beneath the skin of a cat requires careful preparation, precise technique, and post‑extraction monitoring.
First, confirm the presence of a subdermal tick. Look for a small, raised nodule, often accompanied by a thin, dark line indicating the tick’s mouthparts. Palpate gently; the body may feel firm while the head remains hidden.
Gather the necessary instruments:
- Fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool with a narrow, angled tip.
- Sterile gauze pads.
- Antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine or diluted povidone‑iodine).
- Disposable gloves.
- A small container with a lid for the tick, pre‑filled with 70 % isopropyl alcohol.
Proceed with the extraction:
- Wash hands and don gloves to prevent pathogen transmission.
- Disinfect the area around the tick with the antiseptic, allowing it to dry.
- Using the tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, targeting the mouthparts that are embedded. Avoid squeezing the body, which can force infected fluids into the host.
- Apply steady, gentle traction directly outward. Do not rock or twist, as this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the tissue.
- Once the tick detaches, place it immediately in the alcohol‑filled container for identification and potential testing.
- Inspect the site for any residual fragments. If any remain, repeat the grasp‑and‑pull step with a fresh set of tweezers.
After removal, cleanse the wound with antiseptic, then pat dry with sterile gauze. Observe the cat for signs of inflammation, infection, or allergic reaction over the next 48 hours. Indicators include redness, swelling, pus, excessive licking, or lethargy. If any of these appear, seek veterinary care promptly.
Preventive measures reduce future incidents:
- Apply a veterinarian‑approved tick repellent regularly.
- Conduct weekly full‑body examinations, especially after outdoor exposure.
- Maintain a tidy yard, removing leaf litter and tall grass where ticks thrive.
- Keep the cat’s coat trimmed to facilitate early detection.
Documentation of the tick’s species and removal date assists veterinarians in assessing disease risk and selecting appropriate prophylactic treatment.