What should you do if a cat is bitten by a tick? - briefly
Use fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure; then disinfect the bite area and observe the cat for redness, swelling, or illness, contacting a veterinarian if any abnormal signs develop.
What should you do if a cat is bitten by a tick? - in detail
When a feline acquires a tick, immediate action reduces the risk of disease transmission and tissue damage. Follow these steps in order:
-
Inspect the animal – Part the fur around the attachment site, often near the head, ears, neck, or between the toes. Look for a small, engorged oval shape embedded in the skin.
-
Gather proper tools – Use fine‑pointed tweezers, a tick removal device, or a pair of blunt‑ended forceps. Avoid using fingers or blunt objects that may crush the tick.
-
Grasp the tick close to the skin – Position the tool as near to the mouthparts as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure; do not twist or jerk, which can leave mouthparts embedded.
-
Disinfect the area – After removal, clean the bite site with a pet‑safe antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine or diluted povidone‑iodine). Apply a mild antiseptic spray if a wound is visible.
-
Store the specimen – Place the tick in a sealed container with a small amount of alcohol or a damp cotton ball. This allows for later identification and testing if the cat shows signs of illness.
-
Monitor the cat – Observe for fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, joint swelling, or unusual behavior over the next two weeks. Record any changes and the date of removal.
-
Consult a veterinarian promptly – If the cat exhibits any of the above symptoms, or if the tick was attached for more than 24 hours, seek professional evaluation. The vet may recommend prophylactic antibiotics, blood tests for tick‑borne pathogens (e.g., Bartonella, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia), and supportive care.
-
Prevent future infestations – Apply a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral tick preventive, maintain regular grooming, and keep the home environment free of tall grass and leaf litter where ticks thrive.
Timely removal, proper wound care, and vigilant observation are essential to protect the cat’s health after a tick bite.