How to treat subcutaneous ticks in a cat at home? - briefly
Gently extract the tick using fine‑point tweezers, pulling straight out without crushing the body, then clean the wound with a mild antiseptic and watch for signs of infection. Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical tick preventive to stop further infestations.
How to treat subcutaneous ticks in a cat at home? - in detail
Treating buried ticks on a cat requires careful preparation, precise removal, and post‑procedure care to avoid infection and secondary complications.
First, confirm the presence of a subcutaneous tick. Look for a small, raised nodule, localized swelling, or a palpable hard spot beneath the skin. The area may be warm, tender, or show a faint puncture mark. If the cat shows signs of fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite, consult a veterinarian promptly, as systemic illness may be developing.
Gather the necessary tools before beginning:
- Fine‑point sterile tweezers or a dedicated tick‑removal hook
- Disposable gloves
- Antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine)
- Sterile gauze pads
- A small container with a lid for the tick
- Topical antibiotic ointment
- A calm, restrained environment (a towel or a cat‑carrying bag)
The removal procedure:
- Sanitize hands and equipment. Wear gloves and disinfect the tweezers or hook with antiseptic.
- Expose the tick. Gently shave or part the fur surrounding the nodule to visualize the tick’s head and mouthparts.
- Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible. Use the tweezers to grasp the tick’s mouthparts, not the body, to prevent crushing.
- Apply steady, downward pressure. Pull straight out with even force; avoid twisting or jerking motions that could leave mouthparts embedded.
- Inspect the extraction site. Ensure no fragments remain. If any part of the tick remains, repeat the grip and pull step or seek veterinary assistance.
- Disinfect the wound. Apply antiseptic to the puncture site, then cover with a small amount of antibiotic ointment.
- Isolate the tick. Place the removed parasite in the container, label with date and location, and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if testing for disease is required.
After removal, monitor the cat for at least 48 hours. Watch for increased swelling, redness, discharge, or behavioral changes. If any of these occur, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Prevention strategies to reduce future hidden tick infestations:
- Administer a veterinarian‑approved tick control product (topical, oral, or collar) regularly.
- Maintain a clean indoor environment; vacuum carpets and upholstery frequently.
- Trim grass and shrubs around the home to limit tick habitat.
- Perform weekly full‑body inspections, paying special attention to the head, neck, and between the toes.
By following these steps, owners can safely eliminate concealed ticks at home while minimizing risks to the cat’s health.