How to search for ticks on a cat? - briefly
Part the fur with your fingers and examine the head, ears, neck, armpits, and toe webs, using a fine‑toothed comb or a tick removal tool to spot and extract any attached ticks. After removal, clean the bite site with antiseptic and monitor the cat for signs of infection.
How to search for ticks on a cat? - in detail
When examining a cat for ticks, begin with a calm environment. Secure the animal in a comfortable position—either on a lap, a low table, or a grooming station—using a gentle hold to prevent sudden movements.
First, gather the necessary tools: a fine‑toothed comb, a pair of blunt‑ended tweezers, a flashlight or headlamp, disposable gloves, and a clean container with antiseptic solution for any removed parasites.
Proceed with a systematic visual scan. Start at the head, moving toward the tail, and pay special attention to the following regions, which are preferred attachment sites for ticks:
- Ears and inner ear flaps
- Neck and base of the skull
- Under the chin and around the jawline
- Between the shoulder blades
- Armpits and the inner forelimbs
- Groin and the area around the tail base
- Abdomen, especially the belly folds
Use the flashlight to illuminate dense fur and folds. Run the comb through each area, separating hair to reveal any attached insects. A tick appears as a small, rounded bump, often darker than the surrounding skin. If a tick is spotted, grasp it as close to the skin as possible with the tweezers, avoiding compression of the body. Pull upward with steady, even pressure until the mouthparts detach. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave parts embedded.
After removal, place the tick in the antiseptic container for identification if needed, then disinfect the bite site with a mild antiseptic solution. Observe the cat for signs of irritation, redness, or infection over the next 24‑48 hours. Record the date and location of any findings to assist veterinary assessment.
Complete the inspection by brushing the entire coat again to catch any missed parasites. Repeat the process weekly during tick‑active seasons, and consider monthly preventive treatments recommended by a veterinarian. Regular checks reduce the risk of tick‑borne diseases and ensure the cat’s health remains optimal.