How to determine if a cat has a tick in its ears? - briefly
Inspect the ear’s outer surface and canal with a flashlight, looking for small, dark, engorged bodies or movement under the fur. If a parasite is seen, grasp it near the skin with fine tweezers and pull straight out without squeezing.
How to determine if a cat has a tick in its ears? - in detail
Detecting a tick lodged in a feline ear requires a systematic visual and tactile examination. The ear canal is narrow and covered with fine hair, creating an environment where a parasite can remain hidden. Early identification prevents skin irritation, infection, and disease transmission.
Inspection procedure
- Secure the cat gently but firmly; a calm animal reduces the risk of injury.
- Position a bright, focused light source directly over the ear.
- Part the hair along the outer rim with a fingertip or a soft comb, exposing the cartilage and canal entrance.
- Observe the skin for small, dark, oval objects attached to the surface; ticks appear as raised bumps with a darker back and lighter abdomen.
- Feel for any irregularities by running a gloved fingertip along the canal; a live tick may move or tug when touched.
- Note accompanying signs: erythema, swelling, discharge, excessive scratching, or frequent ear shaking.
Removal steps
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible using fine-tipped tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure; avoid twisting, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- Place the extracted specimen in a sealed container with alcohol for identification, if needed.
- Clean the bite site with an antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine) and monitor for residual inflammation.
- Offer the cat a treat to reduce stress and reinforce positive handling.
Post‑examination care
- Re‑examine the ear after 24 hours to ensure no remnants remain.
- Keep the cat’s environment free of vegetation and wildlife that harbor ticks.
- Schedule a veterinary check if redness persists, the cat shows lethargy, or if a tick‑borne disease is suspected.
A thorough, methodical approach guarantees accurate detection and safe removal, protecting the cat’s health and preventing potential complications.