How to look for ticks on a cat? - briefly
Examine the cat’s fur closely, focusing on the ears, neck, underarms, tail base, and between the toes, feeling for small, dark, raised specks that may be attached. If a tick is found, grasp it with fine‑point tweezers as near to the skin as possible and pull straight out without squeezing the body.
How to look for ticks on a cat? - in detail
When inspecting a cat for tick infestations, follow a systematic approach to ensure no attachment is missed.
Begin by preparing a well‑lit area. Use a bright lamp or natural daylight and a flat surface where the animal feels secure. Have a fine‑toothed comb, a pair of tweezers designed for ectoparasites, and a container with a lid for collected specimens.
Conduct the examination in the following order:
- Head and ears – Part the fur around the ears, behind the pinnae, and along the jawline. Ticks often hide in these warm, sheltered spots.
- Neck and shoulder blades – Run fingers along the skin, feeling for any raised bumps or firm nodules.
- Chest and abdomen – Lift the fur gently; check the skin folds and under the ribs.
- Legs and paws – Separate each toe, inspect the pads, and examine the fur between the claws.
- Tail base – Pull the tail away from the body, part the hair, and look for attached parasites.
- Back and hindquarters – Scrutinize the area around the hips and where the tail meets the spine.
During the search, feel for small, rounded protrusions that may be embedded. Ticks can be as tiny as a pinhead in early stages; a magnifying glass can aid detection.
If a tick is found, remove it promptly:
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with tweezers.
- Apply steady, upward pressure to pull straight out, avoiding twisting that may leave mouthparts embedded.
- Disinfect the bite site with a mild antiseptic.
- Place the tick in the container, label with date and location, and store for potential veterinary identification.
After the inspection, bathe the cat with a mild, cat‑safe shampoo to wash away detached parasites and debris. Observe the animal for the next 24‑48 hours for signs of irritation, inflammation, or illness. Report any abnormal symptoms to a veterinarian.
Preventive measures include regular use of veterinarian‑approved tick preventatives, routine grooming, and keeping the cat indoors or limiting exposure to tick‑infested habitats. Frequent checks—especially after outdoor excursions—reduce the risk of heavy infestations and associated health complications.