How can a tick under a cat's skin be removed? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grip the tick as close to the cat’s skin as possible and pull straight upward with steady pressure, avoiding squeezing the body. After removal, disinfect the site with a mild antiseptic and watch for signs of irritation; if the tick is firmly embedded or the cat shows discomfort, consult a veterinarian promptly.
How can a tick under a cat's skin be removed? - in detail
A tick that has penetrated the dermis of a cat requires careful extraction to prevent infection and avoid leaving mouthparts behind. The procedure consists of preparation, removal, and post‑removal care.
Preparation
- Gather fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal hook, disinfectant (e.g., chlorhexidine), gloves, and a sealed container with alcohol for storage.
- Restrain the cat gently but securely; a second person may hold the animal while the primary handler works.
- Clean the area surrounding the parasite with the disinfectant to reduce bacterial load.
Removal steps
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, securing the head or mouthparts without squeezing the abdomen.
- Apply steady, upward pressure directly away from the skin, maintaining a straight line of pull.
- Continue pulling until the entire organism separates from the tissue; avoid jerking motions that could cause the mouthparts to break off.
- Inspect the bite site; if any fragment remains, repeat the process with fresh tweezers.
Aftercare
- Disinfect the wound with chlorhexidine or a mild antiseptic solution.
- Observe the cat for signs of irritation, swelling, or secondary infection over the next 24–48 hours.
- Store the removed tick in alcohol and label with date and location for potential veterinary examination.
- If the cat exhibits lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, or if the bite site does not heal, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Preventive measures
- Apply a veterinarian‑approved tick preventive monthly.
- Conduct regular inspections of the coat, especially after outdoor excursions, and remove any attached ticks immediately following the same technique.