How do you remove a subcutaneous tick from a cat? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the cat’s skin as possible and apply steady, downward pressure to extract it without crushing the body; immediately clean the bite site with a mild antiseptic and monitor for signs of infection. If the tick is embedded beneath the skin surface, gently massage the area to expose the mouthparts before removal, then follow the same extraction and cleaning procedure.
How do you remove a subcutaneous tick from a cat? - in detail
Subcutaneous ticks embed beneath the skin, making simple pinching ineffective. Proper extraction prevents infection and minimizes tissue damage.
Gather the following items before attempting removal: fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal hook, a sterile needle (22‑25 G), antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine), gauze pads, a small container with lid for the tick, and a low‑dose sedative or calming aid if the cat is highly stressed. Ensure the work area is well‑lit and clean.
Procedure:
- Restrain the cat gently but securely; a helper may hold the animal while one works.
- Disinfect the skin around the tick with the antiseptic, allowing it to dry briefly.
- Insert the sterile needle at a shallow angle, just enough to break the skin over the tick’s head without piercing deeper tissues.
- Using the tweezers or hook, grasp the tick as close to the mouthparts as possible. Apply steady, even pressure to pull the parasite straight out; avoid twisting or jerking motions.
- Once the tick is removed, place it in the sealed container for identification if needed.
- Immediately apply antiseptic to the bite site and press gauze to control any minor bleeding.
After removal, monitor the cat for signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge) or systemic illness (fever, lethargy) over the next 48 hours. If any abnormal symptoms appear, seek veterinary evaluation promptly. A single dose of a broad‑spectrum antibiotic may be prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infection.
Preventive measures include routine inspection of the coat after outdoor exposure, regular use of veterinarian‑approved ectoparasitic preventatives, and maintaining a clean environment to reduce tick habitats.