How to properly remove a tick from a cat at home? - briefly
Use fine‑point tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the cat’s skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Disinfect the bite site, clean the tweezers, and watch the cat for any signs of infection.
How to properly remove a tick from a cat at home? - in detail
Ticks attach to the skin of felines and can transmit diseases. Prompt removal reduces the risk of infection and prevents prolonged attachment.
Prepare the following items before handling the animal: fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine), cotton balls, a sealed container for the specimen, and a towel to restrain the cat.
- Place the cat on a stable surface; wrap gently with a towel to limit movement while leaving the affected area exposed.
- Put on gloves to avoid direct contact with the parasite.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, holding the mouthparts, not the body, with the tweezers.
- Apply steady, even pressure and pull upward in a straight line. Avoid twisting or squeezing the abdomen, which can cause the tick to release saliva or retain its head.
- Inspect the site; if any portion of the mouthparts remains, repeat the grip on the residual fragment and extract it with the same technique.
- Transfer the whole tick into the sealed container, add a few drops of alcohol, and label for possible identification.
- Clean the bite area with antiseptic and apply a mild, pet‑safe disinfectant.
- Observe the cat for the next 24‑48 hours for signs of redness, swelling, or behavioral changes.
If the tick’s head remains embedded, the wound becomes inflamed, or the cat shows lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite, contact a veterinarian immediately. Professional intervention may be required to prevent secondary infection and assess for tick‑borne pathogens.