How to check a cat for ticks? - briefly
Inspect the cat’s coat and skin, concentrating on ears, neck, armpits, and between toes, parting the fur and feeling for small, firm bumps or dark specks. If a tick is detected, grasp it near the skin with fine‑tipped tweezers, pull straight out, and disinfect the area.
How to check a cat for ticks? - in detail
Regular tick inspection is essential for any feline that spends time outdoors or lives in tick‑prone areas. Early detection prevents disease transmission and reduces discomfort.
Required items
- Fine‑toothed comb or soft brush
- Pair of tweezers with a flat, narrow tip
- Disposable gloves
- Antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine)
- Clean towel or paper towels
Inspection procedure
- Place the cat on a stable surface; secure gently with a towel if needed.
- Run the comb through the fur from head to tail, paying special attention to the neck, behind the ears, under the chin, around the tail base, and between the toes.
- Visually scan the skin for small, round, dark specks or raised bumps; ticks may appear as tiny brown or gray spheres.
- Use a flashlight to illuminate dense coat areas and to spot partially attached specimens.
Removal technique
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with tweezers, avoiding squeezing the body.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure; do not twist or jerk.
- Deposit the tick into a sealed container with alcohol for identification if required.
- Disinfect the bite site with antiseptic and wash hands thoroughly.
After‑care
- Observe the cat for at least 24 hours; note any redness, swelling, or unusual behavior.
- Schedule a veterinary visit if the bite site becomes inflamed or if the cat shows signs of fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
Preventive measures