How to fight subcutaneous ticks on a cat? - briefly
Consult a veterinarian for safe subcutaneous tick extraction and follow a prescribed systemic acaricide regimen to eliminate existing parasites and prevent recurrence.
How to fight subcutaneous ticks on a cat? - in detail
Subcutaneous ticks embed beneath the skin, making visual identification difficult. Early detection relies on palpation of small, firm nodules, often accompanied by localized swelling or erythema. If a nodule is felt, gently massage the area to determine whether a tick is present beneath the surface.
Removal procedure
- Restrain the cat securely but gently to prevent injury.
- Apply a warm, damp cloth to the affected region for 1–2 minutes; heat encourages the tick to move closer to the skin surface.
- Using fine‑point tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the entry point as possible. Pull straight upward with steady pressure; avoid twisting, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
- Inspect the extracted specimen; if any portion remains, seek veterinary assistance promptly.
- Disinfect the bite site with a mild antiseptic (e.g., chlorhexidine solution) and monitor for signs of infection.
Medical management
- Administer a single dose of a veterinary‑approved acaricide (e.g., a spot‑on product containing selamectin or a systemic medication such as afoxolaner) according to the label instructions.
- For suspected secondary bacterial infection, a short course of a broad‑spectrum antibiotic may be prescribed.
- If the cat exhibits fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite after removal, schedule an immediate veterinary examination to assess for tick‑borne diseases (e.g., cytauxzoonosis, Bartonella).
Preventive strategy
- Maintain a regular ectoparasite control regimen, applying a monthly topical or oral product proven effective against embedded stages.
- Inspect outdoor environments; remove tall grass, leaf litter, and brush where ticks thrive.
- Conduct monthly full‑body examinations, focusing on the neck, ears, and between the shoulder blades, where subcutaneous ticks frequently attach.
- Limit unsupervised outdoor access during peak tick activity periods (spring and early summer).
Follow‑up
- Re‑examine the bite site after 48 hours; ensure complete healing and absence of residual swelling.
- Record any adverse reactions to treatment and report them to the veterinarian for future reference.
Effective management combines prompt physical extraction, appropriate acaricidal therapy, and consistent preventive measures to minimize the risk of subcutaneous tick infestation in felines.