How to extract a tick from a cat's eye? - briefly
First, gently restrain the cat and, using fine‑point tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the eye surface as possible, pulling upward with steady pressure to avoid rupturing its mouthparts. After removal, disinfect the area with a veterinary‑approved antiseptic and monitor the eye for irritation or infection.
How to extract a tick from a cat's eye? - in detail
Removing a tick lodged in a feline’s eye requires steady hands, proper lighting, and sterile equipment. The procedure should be performed as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of infection or ocular damage.
First, gather the necessary tools: fine‑point tweezers or forceps designed for delicate work, a magnifying lamp, sterile saline solution, clean gauze pads, a small bottle of ophthalmic antibiotic ointment, and a pair of disposable gloves. Prepare a quiet area where the cat can be gently restrained, preferably with an assistant who can hold the animal’s head without applying pressure to the eye.
Next, assess the situation. If the tick is partially embedded or the cat shows signs of severe pain, excessive tearing, or swelling, seek veterinary assistance immediately. For superficial attachments, proceed with the following steps:
- Put on gloves and sanitize the tweezers with alcohol.
- Apply a few drops of sterile saline to the eye to clear debris and improve visibility.
- Using the magnifying lamp, locate the tick’s head and mouthparts. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding the body to prevent crushing.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, as this can leave mouthparts embedded.
- Immediately place the removed tick in a sealed container with alcohol for identification, if needed.
- Rinse the ocular surface with additional saline to remove any residual saliva or debris.
- Apply a thin layer of ophthalmic antibiotic ointment to the affected area to prevent bacterial infection.
- Monitor the cat for at least 24 hours. Look for persistent redness, discharge, swelling, or changes in vision. If any of these symptoms appear, contact a veterinarian without delay.
After the procedure, clean all instruments with disinfectant and dispose of any used gauze. Record the date of removal and the tick’s appearance, as this information can be valuable for future veterinary consultations.