How should the wound be treated after a tick bite in a cat? - briefly
Remove the tick using fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight out, then cleanse the bite area with a mild antiseptic and apply a veterinary‑approved topical antibiotic. Observe the site for swelling, redness or discharge over the next few days and seek veterinary care if any signs of infection appear.
How should the wound be treated after a tick bite in a cat? - in detail
A tick that has attached to a cat leaves a puncture wound that requires immediate attention. First, grasp the tick with fine‑pointed tweezers as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid squeezing the body. After removal, disinfect the bite site with a chlorhexidine solution or dilute povidone‑iodine; alcohol may cause irritation and is less preferable.
Once the area is cleaned, inspect for residual mouthparts. If any fragment remains, repeat gentle extraction with tweezers; leaving a piece can trigger local inflammation or infection. After confirming a clean wound, apply a thin layer of a veterinary‑approved antiseptic ointment to maintain a moist environment and reduce bacterial colonisation.
Monitoring the cat for the next 48–72 hours is essential. Look for signs of redness, swelling, heat, or discharge, which indicate secondary bacterial infection. Should any of these appear, initiate systemic therapy with a broad‑spectrum antibiotic such as amoxicillin‑clavulanate, following the veterinarian’s dosage guidelines.
Because ticks can transmit pathogens, schedule a blood test for common feline tick‑borne diseases (e.g., Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Cytauxzoon). If the test is positive or if the cat shows fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint pain, start appropriate antimicrobial or antiparasitic treatment promptly.
Finally, prevent future incidents by maintaining a regular tick control program. Apply a veterinarian‑recommended topical or oral acaricide according to the product’s schedule, and conduct monthly inspections of the cat’s coat, especially after outdoor excursions.