How to Remove Ticks From Cats: A Step-by-Step Guide

While removing ticks from your cat can be a bit of a challenge, knowing the right information and techniques can help you safely remove these bloodsucking pests and keep your cat safe and healthy. To start, make sure you have a pair of fine-tipped tweezers and then grasp the tick as close to your cat's skin as possible before pulling it straight out with even pressure. Do not twist or squeeze the tick. After you've removed the tick, clean the bite site with soap and water and keep an eye on your cat for any signs of illness.

Knowing how to properly remove ticks from your cat is important, especially when you consider the potential dangers of removing them incorrectly or leaving ticks in place. This article will take an in-depth look at expert veterinary advice, outlining the best methods for removing ticks from your cat to ensure the tick is removed completely and without causing unnecessary risk or harm to your pet. This article will give you the information you need to confidently deal with tick encounters and make sure you and your cat stay safe and healthy.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Remove Ticks From Cats

To remove ticks from your cat safely, you will need the right supplies and to follow a specific process. You will need a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool, latex gloves, antiseptic wipes that are safe for cats, and a container with a lid. According to PetMD, you may also want to have some treats on hand to help keep your cat calm and distracted.

Then, carefully restrain your cat, preferably with the help of another person to prevent scratches or bites. Use your fingers to part the fur to find the tick, and then use tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp the tick as close to your cat’s skin as possible. According to Hill's Pet, hold the tweezers parallel to your cat's skin and make sure not to squeeze the tick's body.

Once you have a good grip, pull the tick straight out with a slow, steady motion. According to International Cat Care, if you twist or jerk the tick, it can cause the tick’s mouthparts to break off and remain in your cat’s skin. After you have removed the tick, clean the bite site with an antiseptic wipe and put the tick in the container. By following these steps carefully, you can ensure that you remove the tick completely without hurting your cat.

Signs of Tick-Borne Diseases in Cats

Ticks can infect cats with a number of serious diseases, including Lyme disease, hemobartonellosis, cytauxzoonosis, and tularemia. According to PetMD, common signs of these tick-borne diseases include fever, lethargy, anorexia, lameness, and enlarged lymph nodes.

While cats are more resistant to Lyme disease, hemobartonellosis and cytauxzoonosis can be fatal if not treated quickly, according to Elanco. If your cat shows any signs of illness after being bitten by a tick, the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine urges you to take them to the vet immediately so they can be properly diagnosed and treated. Many tick-borne diseases in cats can be treated successfully if they are caught early and treated with antibiotics.

How to Dispose of Ticks After Removal

Properly disposing of ticks after removal is important to avoid the potential transmission of diseases. The CDC states that ticks should not be squished, flushed down the toilet, or thrown away because it can release infectious fluids. Instead, the live tick should be placed in a sealed container or plastic bag that contains rubbing alcohol or soapy water to kill it. The PetMD website suggests that the container should be labeled with the date and location of the tick removal in case further testing is needed.

It’s also important to check in with your vet, who may want to identify the type of tick and advise you on what symptoms to look out for in your pet, according to the Mosquito Squad. By following these guidelines for proper disposal, you can help avoid the potential transmission of tick-borne diseases and make it easier for further investigation if it’s necessary.

Natural Tick Prevention for Cats: What You Need to Know

If you’re a cat owner, you may be interested in natural or DIY tick prevention for cats to avoid using potentially harmful chemicals. While some plant-based oils, including neem, eucalyptus, and cedar, have been shown to have some tick-repelling properties, their efficacy is still being researched, according to Only Natural Pet. Meanwhile, some of the most common ingredients in natural flea and tick products, including essential oils, pennyroyal, and garlic, are toxic to cats if they’re ingested or absorbed through the skin, according to PetMD.

Because they’re not regulated, natural remedies may not be effective at protecting your cat from ticks and could even make them sick, according to Consumer Reports. Instead, veterinarians recommend using a commercial tick prevention product that’s been approved by the EPA and has been shown to be safe and effective for cats, since these products are tested and regulated. Working with your vet will help you find the most effective and safe tick prevention option for your cat.

Conclusion: Making Sure Your Cat Stays Safe

While cats are more resistant to Lyme disease, other tick-borne diseases like hemobartonellosis and cytauxzoonosis can be deadly if not treated quickly, according to Elanco. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, Lyme disease is a zoonotic disease that affects domestic animals and humans, and the ticks that carry it feed on specific animals at each stage of their life cycle, including voles, mice, and deer. Clinical signs of Lyme disease in cats can include lameness, fever, anorexia, depression, and dyspnea, but many cats are asymptomatic.

The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine explains that while Lyme disease has never been diagnosed in a cat outside of a laboratory setting, cats can be infected with the bacteria. However, if a cat shows early signs of fever, depression, anorexia, and joint pain, they should be taken to the vet immediately, as antibiotics can be used to treat the disease and lead to a full recovery.