What should I do if a cat's tick burrows under the skin? - briefly
Grasp the embedded tick as close to the cat’s skin as possible with fine‑point tweezers and pull upward with steady, even pressure to remove it completely. Clean the bite site with antiseptic, monitor for redness or swelling, and contact a veterinarian promptly for further care.
What should I do if a cat's tick burrows under the skin? - in detail
When a tick becomes embedded beneath a cat’s epidermis, prompt and careful action is required to prevent infection and disease transmission.
First, restrain the animal safely. Use a towel or a cat‑specific restraint bag to limit movement while keeping the cat calm. Examine the area closely; a partially visible head or a small puncture wound often indicates a tick that has burrowed.
Second, gather the proper tools. A fine‑pointed, blunt‑ended tweezers or a specialized tick removal device designed for small animals is ideal. Disinfect the tip of the instrument with isopropyl alcohol before use.
Third, extract the parasite. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding squeezing the body. Apply steady, upward pressure to pull the tick out in one motion. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts behind.
Fourth, treat the site. Clean the wound with a mild antiseptic solution, such as chlorhexidine diluted to a safe concentration for cats. Pat the area dry with a sterile gauze pad.
Fifth, dispose of the tick safely. Place it in a sealed container with alcohol to kill it, then discard it in the trash. Retain the specimen for a few weeks in case a veterinarian requests it for disease testing.
Sixth, monitor the cat. Observe the puncture for signs of redness, swelling, or discharge over the next 48‑72 hours. Record any changes in behavior, appetite, or temperature, which could indicate systemic infection.
Seventh, seek professional care if any of the following occur: difficulty removing the tick, residual mouthparts remain, the wound becomes inflamed, or the cat shows lethargy, fever, or joint pain. A veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics, anti‑inflammatory medication, or perform serological tests for tick‑borne pathogens such as Bartonella, Anaplasma, or Ehrlichia.
Finally, implement preventive measures. Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral tick control product year‑round, and regularly inspect the cat’s coat, especially after outdoor excursions. Maintaining a clean environment and reducing exposure to tick habitats lowers the risk of future infestations.