If you've ever found a tick on your beloved feline family member, you may have wondered how they got the tick in the first place and how to remove a tick from a cat. The good news is that with the right tools in place, you can remove the tick from your cat at home. Read on for step-by-step instructions on what to do if you spot a tick on your cat and how to get rid of ticks on cats naturally.

How Do Cats Get Ticks?

Because cats are such meticulous groomers, you may be curious to learn how they might end up with a tick. First, it's important to keep in mind that even the most cleanly of animals are subject to a bite from a tick. Most often, a cat will get a tick after being near other pets, but this isn't always the case. Unlike fleas, ticks don't jump; instead, they're slow crawlers. High grasses, low-hanging branches and bushes are common outdoor hideouts for ticks. There are also certain species of ticks that are adapted to living in houses or other sheltered environments (especially over cold-weather months). Thankfully these species are less likely to bite cats than our canine companions, but it's important to remember even if your kitty lives completely indoors they can still be at risk for picking up a tick. When a cat is near a tick, the tick simply grabs onto a hair strand and crawls aboard, hoping its found its next meal.

How Can I Check My Cat for Ticks?

If you're concerned about your cat potentially getting a tick, be sure to inspect and pet your cat more regularly. A pet down each time they come in from the outside can help you discover if they came in contact with a tick. Here are a few other factors to keep in mind when checking your cat for ticks:

• Ticks are visible to the naked eye, and they may appear as small oval-shaped bugs.
• They are typically brown or gray.
• They may be surrounded by tiny black dots, or tick droppings.
• Though you may catch a tick just crawling onto your kitty, you usually find them firmly attached to the animal's skin.
• Depending upon their last meal, ticks can be somewhat flattened and thin, or full and engorged with blood.
• Though ticks can be anywhere on your cat, their favorite places seem to be the head, neck and ears (especially within the ear folds).

How to Remove a Tick From a Cat: Tools to Gather

While your veterinarian won't mind removing a tick from your cat, this is a task pet parents are capable of handling at home, with a little knowledge and the right tools. That said, take a moment to gather a few tools before you start. To remove a tick from your cat, you'll need:

• Tweezers or other tick removing tool
• Disposable gloves
• A container (small jar, Ziploc bag, etc.) to put the tick in after removal
• A disinfectant that's safe for cats
• Ideally, a friend to provide a second set of hands for help
• Calm composure

And remember, there's no need for you — or your kitty — to panic. If you stay calm, you'll be able to get the tick out in no time.