How to remove a tick from a cat's body? - briefly
Grasp the tick with fine‑tipped tweezers as close to the cat’s skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Disinfect the bite area and watch for signs of infection.
How to remove a tick from a cat's body? - in detail
Removing a tick from a feline requires clean tools, proper restraint, and steady technique. Begin by washing hands and putting on disposable gloves. Prepare a pair of fine‑point tweezers, a small blunt‑ended pincher, antiseptic solution, and a cotton ball. Have a towel or blanket ready to wrap the cat, minimizing movement and stress.
Locate the parasite by parting the fur and inspecting common attachment sites: head, neck, ears, armpits, and between toes. Once identified, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Using tweezers, pull upward with firm, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, as this can leave mouthparts embedded. If the tick is large or firmly attached, a specialized tick‑removal tool may provide a better grip.
After extraction, place the tick in a sealed container with alcohol for identification if needed. Clean the bite area with antiseptic and apply a small amount of pet‑safe wound gel. Observe the cat for several days, watching for redness, swelling, or signs of illness such as loss of appetite or lethargy. Contact a veterinarian if any abnormal symptoms appear.
Prevent future infestations by administering a veterinarian‑approved tick preventative, regularly grooming and checking the coat, and keeping the household environment free of tall grass and leaf litter where ticks thrive.