How can a tick be removed from a cat using a syringe? - briefly
Insert a sterile syringe needle just behind the tick’s mouthparts, apply steady pressure to push the parasite out, then clean the bite site with antiseptic. Dispose of the tick safely and watch the cat for any signs of infection.
How can a tick be removed from a cat using a syringe? - in detail
To extract a tick from a feline patient with a syringe, gather a sterile 1‑ml syringe, a fine‑point needle (22‑25 G), cotton swabs, antiseptic solution, and disposable gloves. Disinfect the cat’s fur around the attachment site, then put on gloves to prevent contamination.
- Fill the syringe with a small volume of sterile saline (approximately 0.2 ml).
- Insert the needle tip just behind the tick’s mouthparts, angling toward the skin.
- Gently inject the saline to create a modest pressure wave that loosens the attachment.
- While maintaining pressure, use the needle or a pair of tweezers to lift the tick’s body away from the skin.
- Ensure the entire organism, including the head, is removed; any remnants can cause infection.
After removal, clean the bite area with antiseptic and monitor for redness, swelling, or discharge over the next 24‑48 hours. Dispose of the tick in a sealed container for identification if needed, and wash hands thoroughly. If the cat shows signs of distress, fever, or an expanding lesion, seek veterinary care promptly.