How can a tick be detected on a cat at home? - briefly
Examine the cat’s coat daily, concentrating on the head, ears, neck, between toes, and under the tail, feeling for small, firm, round bumps. Use a fine‑toothed comb or magnifying glass to identify dark, oval bodies attached to the skin.
How can a tick be detected on a cat at home? - in detail
Detecting a tick on a cat requires systematic visual inspection and tactile confirmation. Begin by preparing a well‑lit area, such as a kitchen counter or bathroom sink, and gather a fine‑toothed comb, a pair of blunt‑ended tweezers, and a magnifying glass.
First, calm the animal. Hold the cat gently but securely, supporting the body to prevent sudden movements. If the cat tolerates it, place a towel over the back to reduce stress and expose the skin.
Next, examine typical attachment sites: the head, ears, neck, under the collar, between the toes, and the abdomen. Run the comb through the fur in each region, moving against the grain. A live tick appears as a small, rounded, dark brown or gray lump; a detached or dead specimen may be flattened and less noticeable.
If a suspect bump is found, use the magnifier to verify characteristic features: a solid body, eight legs near the front, and a pointed mouthpart. Gently pinch the skin with fingertips; a tick is often slightly raised and may move when disturbed.
When a tick is confirmed, remove it promptly: grasp the parasite as close to the skin as possible with the tweezers, applying steady, upward pressure without twisting. After extraction, disinfect the bite area with an antiseptic solution. Store the removed tick in a sealed container with alcohol for possible identification and veterinary consultation.
Finally, conduct a full‑body re‑check to ensure no additional parasites remain. Repeat this inspection weekly during tick‑active seasons, and consider using a veterinarian‑approved preventive product to reduce future infestations.