What should I do if a cat has a subcutaneous tick at home? - briefly
Gently grasp the skin above the embedded tick with fine tweezers and pull straight upward without twisting, then clean the area with antiseptic and monitor the cat for infection or irritation; promptly contact a veterinarian for professional removal and advice on preventive treatment.
What should I do if a cat has a subcutaneous tick at home? - in detail
When a feline companion harbors a tick embedded beneath the skin, immediate and careful action reduces the risk of infection and disease transmission.
First, gather the necessary tools: a pair of fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal device, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine), sterile gauze, and a sealable container with a label for the specimen.
Next, restrain the cat gently but securely. Enlist an assistant if needed; one person can hold the animal while the other works on the removal.
- Locate the tick – Examine the skin closely, feeling for a raised nodule or a small, hard lump beneath the fur.
- Expose the area – Part the surrounding hair with a comb or your fingers to reveal a clear view of the tick’s entry point.
- Grasp the tick – Using the tweezers, clamp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, avoiding squeezing the body.
- Extract with steady pressure – Pull upward in a smooth, continuous motion. Do not twist or jerk, as this may leave mouthparts embedded.
- Inspect the removal – Verify that the entire tick, including the capitulum, has been extracted. If any portion remains, repeat the removal process or seek veterinary assistance.
- Disinfect the site – Apply antiseptic to the bite wound, then blot with sterile gauze.
- Preserve the tick (optional) – Place the removed parasite in the container, add a few drops of alcohol, label with date and location, and keep for possible laboratory analysis.
After the procedure, monitor the cat for signs of irritation, redness, swelling, or unusual behavior such as lethargy or loss of appetite. If any of these symptoms develop, contact a veterinarian promptly.
Finally, implement preventive measures: administer a veterinarian‑recommended ectoparasite product, keep the indoor environment clean, and perform regular inspections during outdoor excursions. Consistent prevention minimizes future subcutaneous tick incidents.