How to treat ear tick in a cat? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine‑tipped forceps, grasping close to the skin and pulling steadily to avoid breakage. Apply a veterinarian‑approved acaricide or antiseptic ear solution and monitor for inflammation or secondary infection.
How to treat ear tick in a cat? - in detail
Ear tick infestations in felines require prompt identification, safe removal, and appropriate therapeutic measures.
First, confirm the presence of ticks by inspecting the ear canal and outer ear for small, dark, oval parasites attached to the skin. Look for signs such as excessive scratching, head shaking, ear redness, or discharge.
When ticks are detected, follow these steps:
- Isolation and restraint – gently hold the cat to prevent sudden movements; use a soft towel if needed.
- Tick extraction – apply a veterinary‑approved tick remover or fine‑pointed tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure to avoid breaking the mouthparts.
- Site sanitation – clean the bite area with a mild antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine diluted to 0.05 %).
- Topical treatment – administer an approved acaricide formulated for cats, such as a spot‑on product containing fipronil, selamectin, or imidacloprid. Follow the label dosage based on the animal’s weight.
- Systemic therapy – if multiple ticks or secondary infection are present, a veterinarian may prescribe oral or injectable ivermectin or milbemycin oxime, adhering strictly to dosage guidelines.
- Environmental control – wash bedding, toys, and grooming tools in hot water; vacuum carpets and upholstery; treat the home environment with a cat‑safe acaricide spray if recommended.
Monitoring after treatment is essential. Re‑examine the ears daily for residual ticks or signs of inflammation. If symptoms persist beyond 7 days, seek veterinary reassessment to rule out secondary bacterial or fungal infections.
Prevention strategies include regular application of long‑acting spot‑on preventatives, routine ear checks during grooming, and limiting outdoor exposure to tick‑infested areas. Maintaining these practices reduces the risk of recurrence and promotes overall ear health.