How to determine if a cat has an ear tick? - briefly
Inspect the ear canal for tiny, dark, moving specks attached to the skin or hair, and note any redness, swelling, or excessive wax that may conceal them. Gently lift the ear flap and use a bright light to confirm the presence of ticks before removal.
How to determine if a cat has an ear tick? - in detail
Ear ticks attach to the cat’s external ear canal, the inner surface of the pinna, and occasionally the surrounding hair. They appear as small, oval, dark‑brown or reddish bodies, often half‑visible because the tick’s mouthparts embed in the skin. A live tick may move, while a dead one remains motionless and may appear flattened.
To confirm their presence, follow these steps:
- Gently restrain the cat, preferably with a helper, to keep the animal calm and prevent sudden movements.
- Examine the outer ear with a bright flashlight or a veterinary otoscope. Look for a raised bump, a dark spot, or a tiny hole where the tick’s head is inserted.
- Part the fur around the ear base and the inner fold of the pinna. Ticks can hide in these dense areas.
- Feel for a firm, rounded mass that does not shift easily under pressure. A live tick may twitch when touched.
- If the cat shows signs of irritation—scratching, head shaking, or excessive ear rubbing—inspect the ear canal for blood‑stained debris, a possible tick attachment site, or secondary infection.
When a tick is found, removal should be performed promptly:
- Use fine‑pointed tweezers or specialized tick‑removal forceps.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding squeezing the body.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure until the mouthparts separate from the ear tissue.
- Disinfect the bite area with a mild antiseptic solution.
- Dispose of the tick in alcohol or sealed container for identification if needed.
After removal, monitor the cat for:
- Redness or swelling around the bite site.
- Signs of anemia such as pale gums.
- Behavioral changes indicating discomfort or fever.
If any of these symptoms appear, or if the tick cannot be removed completely, seek veterinary assistance. The veterinarian may prescribe topical or oral antiparasitic medication and evaluate the ear for secondary infections. Regular preventive treatments, such as monthly spot‑on products or oral preventives, reduce the risk of future infestations.