How to Safely Remove a Tick from a Cat

 

If you find a tick on your cat, you should remove it as soon as possible, because ticks can spread diseases. The most important thing is to remove the entire tick, including its head, without squeezing the body or leaving any parts behind.

 

What You Will Need

 

• Fine-tipped tweezers (or special tick removal tool from a pet store)
• Disposable gloves
• Rubbing alcohol (or soap and water)
• Paper towel or tissue
• Small container with a lid (to save the tick for identification if your cat gets sick)
• Treat or reward for your cat

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

 

• Prepare your cat and supplies.
  Wash your hands. Calm your cat and have someone help hold her if necessary, since cats may struggle. Put on disposable gloves to protect yourself from possible infections.
• Locate the tick.
  Part your cat’s fur so you can clearly see the tick. Ticks look like a small bump attached to the skin, often grey, brown, or black, and usually swollen.
• Grasp the tick correctly.
  Using your tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the cat’s skin as possible, aiming for the area where the tick’s mouth is attached. Avoid grabbing the body of the tick, as this can squeeze it and increase the risk of infection.
• Remove the tick slowly and steadily.
  Pull the tick out using slow, steady, and even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain stuck in the skin.
• Check if the whole tick is removed.
  Look at the tick you removed: It should be whole, with the head and legs still attached. If any part is left under the skin, try to remove it with tweezers. If you cannot, don’t force it—your vet can remove it safely.
• Clean the area.
  Clean your cat’s skin where the tick was attached with rubbing alcohol or mild soap and water to prevent infection.
• Dispose of the tick safely.
  Place the tick in your container. You can add a bit of alcohol to kill it. Save this in case your cat starts to show any symptoms (your vet might want to test it). Never crush a tick with your fingers, as this exposes you to disease.
• Wash your hands again.
  Even if you wore gloves, wash your hands after the tick removal.
• Watch your cat.
  Over the next few weeks, watch your cat for any signs of illness such as loss of appetite, fever, weakness, or a rash. If you notice anything abnormal, call your vet and mention the tick you removed.
• Reward your cat.
  Give your cat a treat or gentle affection to help relieve stress after the removal.

 

Important Safety Tips

 

• Never try to burn a tick off, or use petroleum jelly, oils, or chemicals to “smother” it. These methods do not work and may harm your cat.
• Do not squeeze the body of the tick, as this can release infected fluids into your cat’s skin.
• Always remove a tick as soon as you see it. The longer it stays, the higher the risk of disease transmission.
• If you are unsure, or if the tick is in a difficult spot (for example, near the eyes or mouth), contact your veterinarian for help.

 

Preventing Future Tick Bites

 

• Talk to your veterinarian about safe tick prevention medications for cats. Never use products meant for dogs, as many of these are toxic for cats.
• Check your cat regularly for ticks if they go outside, especially during warm months.
• Keep grass and bushes trimmed in areas your cat visits, to reduce tick habitats.