How to treat a cat's wound after a tick bite? - briefly
First, gently extract the tick with fine‑tipped tweezers, pulling straight out to avoid leaving mouthparts. Clean the wound with a mild antiseptic, apply a pet‑safe antibiotic ointment, and monitor for swelling, redness, or discharge.
How to treat a cat's wound after a tick bite? - in detail
Remove the attached parasite promptly with fine‑point tweezers, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward with steady pressure. Avoid twisting or crushing the body to prevent saliva from entering the wound.
Inspect the site for redness, swelling, or bleeding. If the skin is broken, note the size of the lesion and any visible debris.
Clean the area using lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap. Rinse thoroughly to eliminate residual particles.
Apply a veterinary‑approved antiseptic, such as chlorhexidine solution or povidone‑iodine diluted according to label instructions. Use a sterile gauze pad to dab the solution onto the wound; do not soak the tissue.
After disinfection, cover the spot with a non‑adhesive dressing if the cat is likely to lick or scratch the area. Change the dressing daily, observing for increased discharge, foul odor, or expanding margins.
Monitor the cat for systemic signs—lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, or joint pain—that may indicate disease transmission. If any of these symptoms appear, or if the wound fails to improve within 48‑72 hours, consult a veterinarian without delay.