How to detect an ear tick in a cat? - briefly
Inspect the inner ear canal and surrounding fur for tiny, dark, oval parasites firmly attached to the skin, noting any redness, swelling, or a gritty sensation when the cat scratches. Regular visual checks during grooming enable early identification of infestations.
How to detect an ear tick in a cat? - in detail
Ear ticks frequently infest the external ear canal of domestic felines, posing risks of irritation, infection, and disease transmission. Early identification prevents complications and facilitates prompt treatment.
Observable indicators include:
- Redness or swelling of the ear margin
- Excessive scratching or head shaking
- Presence of dark specks or moving organisms within the ear canal
- Unusual odor or discharge from the ear
- Visible blood after brushing the ear
A systematic examination proceeds as follows:
- Restrain the cat gently, using a towel or a helper if necessary, to minimize stress.
- Examine the outer ear with a flashlight, looking for crusts, debris, or live ticks.
- Gently pull the ear flap back to expose the canal; insert a soft otoscope or a dimly lit magnifying glass.
- Scan the canal walls and base for small, oval, dark‑brown parasites; note any attached legs or engorged bodies.
- If a tick is spotted, use fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pulling upward with steady pressure to avoid mouthparts breaking off.
After removal, clean the ear with a veterinarian‑approved antiseptic solution and monitor for residual inflammation. If the cat exhibits persistent irritation, secondary infection, or systemic signs such as lethargy or fever, seek veterinary evaluation promptly.
Preventive actions reduce future infestations:
- Apply veterinarian‑recommended ectoparasite preventatives regularly.
- Keep the cat’s environment free of tall grass and leaf litter where ticks thrive.
- Perform weekly ear inspections, especially after outdoor excursions.
- Maintain up‑to‑date vaccinations and health checks, as overall immunity influences parasite susceptibility.