How can I tell if my cat has a subcutaneous tick? - briefly
Feel for firm, tender lumps or swelling under the skin, especially if accompanied by localized redness, heat, or your cat’s excessive scratching or licking of the area. A veterinarian can confirm the presence of an embedded tick through palpation or diagnostic imaging.
How can I tell if my cat has a subcutaneous tick? - in detail
A subdermal tick may be invisible on the surface, yet it can cause irritation, anemia, or disease. Recognizing its presence requires careful observation and tactile examination.
First, watch for localized swelling or a firm lump under the skin, often on the neck, shoulders, or between the shoulder blades. The tissue may feel warm or appear slightly reddened, even if the cat does not show obvious discomfort.
Second, note any unexplained changes in behavior: reduced activity, loss of appetite, or increased grooming of a specific area. These signs can indicate the cat is reacting to a hidden parasite.
Third, perform a gentle palpation. Using the pads of your fingers, press lightly around the suspected region. A subcutaneous tick feels like a small, hard nodule that does not move easily under the skin. It may be slightly mobile if the tick is not fully embedded.
Fourth, examine the skin for a tiny puncture wound or a faint, circular scar. The entry point is often a few millimeters in diameter and may be surrounded by a thin ring of inflammation.
If any of the above clues are present, proceed with the following steps:
- Use a fine‑pointed tweezer or a specialized tick removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pulling straight upward with steady pressure. Avoid twisting, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- Apply a veterinary‑approved topical anesthetic (e.g., lidocaine spray) to reduce discomfort before attempting removal, especially if the tick is deeply embedded.
- Collect the tick in a sealed container with a label containing the date and location of discovery. This aids in diagnosing potential disease transmission.
- Inspect the removal site for residual tissue or signs of infection. Clean the area with an antiseptic solution and monitor for swelling or discharge over the next 24‑48 hours.
- Seek veterinary evaluation promptly if the lump persists, the cat shows signs of fever, lethargy, or if you are unable to extract the parasite completely. A veterinarian can perform ultrasonography or fine‑needle aspiration to confirm the presence of a tick and assess for associated pathogens.
Regular grooming, routine tick preventatives, and monthly environmental checks reduce the likelihood of hidden ticks. Maintaining a schedule of veterinary examinations ensures early detection of any subcutaneous infestations.