What should you do if a cat has a subcutaneous tick? - briefly
Contact a veterinarian promptly to have the tick professionally removed and to assess for possible infection or disease transmission. Do not attempt to extract a deeply embedded tick at home, as improper removal can cause tissue damage and increase infection risk.
What should you do if a cat has a subcutaneous tick? - in detail
When a feline is discovered with a tick lodged beneath the skin, immediate action is required to prevent infection, anemia, and transmission of pathogens.
First, confirm the presence of a subdermal tick. The parasite may appear as a small, raised nodule, often with a tiny opening at the surface. Gently palpate the area; a hard, slightly mobile core indicates a hidden tick.
Next, contact a veterinarian without delay. Professional assessment ensures accurate identification of the species, evaluation of disease risk, and safe extraction. Some ticks embed deeply, making home removal hazardous and increasing the chance of leaving mouthparts behind.
If the veterinarian advises a home procedure, follow these steps precisely:
- Prepare a sterile environment – clean a work surface with antiseptic solution and gather disposable gloves, fine‑point tweezers or a tick‑removal hook, and antiseptic wipes.
- Disinfect the cat’s skin around the nodule with chlorhexidine or a veterinary‑approved antiseptic.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding compression of the body. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; do not twist or jerk, which can rupture the tick and embed its mouthparts.
- After removal, place the specimen in a sealed container with alcohol for possible laboratory analysis.
- Clean the bite site with antiseptic and apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment if recommended by the veterinarian.
- Monitor the cat for the next 48‑72 hours. Watch for redness, swelling, discharge, fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite. Report any abnormalities to the vet promptly.
Prevent future incidents by maintaining a regular ectoparasite control program. Options include topical spot‑on treatments, oral preventatives, or collars containing acaricidal agents. Schedule routine examinations to assess the efficacy of the regimen and adjust dosage according to the cat’s weight and health status.
Document each tick encounter, including date, location on the body, and any observed symptoms. This record assists the veterinarian in evaluating disease exposure trends and tailoring long‑term prevention strategies.