How to remove a tick from under a cat's skin? - briefly
Grasp the tick as close to the cat’s skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers and pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding crushing its body. Clean the bite area with antiseptic, discard the parasite safely, and monitor the cat for any irritation or illness.
How to remove a tick from under a cat's skin? - in detail
Removing a tick that has burrowed beneath a cat’s skin requires precision and sterility. Begin with a clean environment: wash your hands, wear disposable gloves, and disinfect the area around the parasite with a mild antiseptic solution.
- Locate the tick – Gently part the fur with a fine‑toothed comb or a soft brush. The body of the tick appears as a small, dark bump, often slightly raised.
- Expose the head – Use a pair of fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible, aiming for the mouthparts rather than the abdomen.
- Apply steady traction – Pull upward with even pressure, avoiding twisting or jerking motions that could leave mouthparts embedded. Continue until the tick releases completely.
- Inspect the site – Ensure no fragments remain. If any portion of the mouthparts stays in the skin, repeat the grip and pull technique or seek veterinary assistance.
- Disinfect the wound – Clean the bite area with a veterinarian‑approved antiseptic. Allow it to air‑dry; do not apply ointments unless prescribed.
- Dispose of the tick – Place the removed parasite in a sealed container with alcohol for identification if needed, then discard safely.
Post‑removal care
- Monitor the bite for swelling, redness, or discharge over the next 48 hours.
- Observe the cat for signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever, which may indicate disease transmission.
- Schedule a veterinary check if the bite area worsens or if the cat shows systemic symptoms.
Preventive measures
- Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral ectoparasite product regularly.
- Conduct weekly inspections of the coat, especially after outdoor exposure.
Following these steps minimizes tissue damage, reduces infection risk, and ensures the cat’s swift recovery.