How can a tick be seen on a cat? - briefly
Examine the cat’s coat, focusing on the neck, ears, underbelly and between toes, using a fine‑toothed comb or a magnifying glass to spot the small, oval parasite attached to the skin. If the tick is embedded, gently lift it with tweezers close to the surface.
How can a tick be seen on a cat? - in detail
Detecting a tick on a cat requires systematic visual and tactile examination. Begin by restraining the animal gently, using a towel or a helper if necessary, to keep the cat calm and prevent sudden movement.
Inspect the head, ears, and neck first, as these areas are frequently infested. Part the fur with a fine‑toothed comb, looking for small, dark, oval shapes attached to the skin. Move the comb slowly to avoid dislodging the parasite.
Continue down the body, focusing on the armpits, groin, belly, and between the toes. Ticks often embed themselves in warm, moist regions. Use a flashlight to illuminate the coat and reveal subtle discolorations or swelling at the attachment site.
Feel for raised bumps that may feel like tiny beads. A live tick will be firm and may move when touched; a dead one will appear flaccid. If a tick is located, note its size and location before removal.
Removal should be performed with fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, applying steady upward pressure to extract the entire mouthpart. Avoid twisting, which can leave fragments embedded.
After extraction, clean the bite area with antiseptic solution and monitor for redness, swelling, or signs of infection over the next 24–48 hours. Dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol or sealing it in a plastic bag.
Regular grooming and weekly checks, especially after outdoor exposure, reduce the likelihood of unnoticed infestations. Using a veterinarian‑recommended tick preventative, such as a topical treatment or collar, provides additional protection.