What should a cat do if it has a tick? - briefly
Gently grasp the tick with fine-point tweezers as close to the skin as possible, pull upward with steady pressure, then clean the site with antiseptic and watch for signs of infection; if the cat shows irritation, fever, or the tick is difficult to remove, seek veterinary care promptly.
What should a cat do if it has a tick? - in detail
Ticks attached to a cat can transmit disease and cause irritation; prompt removal and follow‑up care are essential.
First, restrain the animal securely but gently. Use a fine‑pointed pair of tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal device. Grasp the parasite as close to the skin as possible, then pull upward with steady pressure. Avoid twisting or squeezing the body, which can release harmful fluids. After extraction, clean the bite area with an antiseptic solution and wash your hands thoroughly. Dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol or sealing it in a container before discarding.
After removal, observe the site daily for redness, swelling, or discharge. Apply a mild antiseptic ointment for several days if the skin appears irritated. Record any changes in the cat’s behavior, appetite, or temperature, as these may signal infection or tick‑borne illness.
Prevent future infestations by performing routine body checks, especially after outdoor exposure. Administer a veterinarian‑approved tick preventive—topical treatments, collars, or oral medications—according to the product’s schedule. Keep the home environment tidy: mow grass, clear leaf litter, and treat indoor‑outdoor cats with regular flea‑tick sprays.
Seek veterinary attention if the tick is embedded in a hard‑to‑reach area, if removal proves difficult, if the bite site becomes inflamed, or if the cat exhibits fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint pain. The veterinarian can provide professional extraction, prescribe antibiotics if needed, and test for tick‑borne pathogens.