How to cure a subcutaneous tick in a cat at home? - briefly
Apply a «warm compress» to the affected area to coax the tick toward the surface, then remove it with «fine‑tipped tweezers» ensuring the mouthparts are extracted fully. Clean the site with a veterinary‑approved antiseptic and monitor for swelling or infection.
How to cure a subcutaneous tick in a cat at home? - in detail
Treating a subcutaneous tick infestation in a feline at home requires prompt removal, wound care, and monitoring for complications. The process begins with confirming the presence of a tick lodged beneath the skin, often identified by a raised, firm nodule that may be tender to touch.
- Prepare a clean workspace. Disinfect the area with a mild antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine.
- Gather tools: fine‑point tweezers, a sterile scalpel or sharp blade, cotton swabs, and a small container with a lid for the extracted parasite.
- Apply a local anesthetic spray or a few drops of lidocaine gel to reduce discomfort.
- Using tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid squeezing the body to prevent rupture.
- If the tick is embedded subcutaneously and cannot be extracted with tweezers, make a small incision directly over the nodule with the scalpel. Gently tease the tick out, then close the incision with a single absorbable suture or surgical glue.
- Place the removed tick in the container, seal, and label with date and location for possible veterinary examination.
- Clean the wound thoroughly with the antiseptic solution, then apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment.
- Cover the site with a sterile gauze pad secured with medical tape to prevent self‑trauma.
After the procedure, observe the cat for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, pus, or fever. Administer a short course of oral antibiotics if prescribed by a veterinarian, especially when the wound appears inflamed. Schedule a follow‑up inspection within 48–72 hours to assess healing and ensure no residual tick parts remain.
Preventive measures include regular grooming, use of approved topical ectoparasite preventatives, and maintaining a tick‑free environment by treating indoor areas and limiting outdoor exposure during peak tick activity seasons. Continuous vigilance reduces the risk of future subcutaneous infestations and associated health complications.