What should you do if a tick is found on a cat? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine‑point tweezers, gripping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight upward. Disinfect the area, observe the cat for any abnormal symptoms, and contact a veterinarian for follow‑up care.
What should you do if a tick is found on a cat? - in detail
When a tick is discovered on a feline, immediate removal is essential to prevent disease transmission. Follow these steps:
- Assemble supplies – fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool, disposable gloves, antiseptic solution, and a sealed container for the specimen.
- Protect hands with gloves to avoid direct contact with the parasite.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, ensuring the mouthparts remain intact.
- Apply steady, upward pressure; avoid twisting or crushing the body to reduce the risk of leaving fragments embedded.
- After extraction, place the tick in the sealed container, label with date and location, and store for possible veterinary analysis.
- Clean the bite area with antiseptic; monitor for redness, swelling, or discharge.
- Observe the cat for several weeks, noting any signs of fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint pain, which may indicate tick‑borne illness.
- Contact a veterinarian promptly if any abnormal symptoms appear or if removal was incomplete.
Regular preventive measures—monthly acaricide treatments, routine grooming, and inspection after outdoor activity—reduce future infestations.