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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
Use the following step-by-step guide to help remove a tick from your cat:
Few would argue that removing ticks is better than avoiding them in the first place. Here are some easy tips to avoid ticks naturally:
Remember, if at any point your cat becomes stressed during the tick removal and begins open-mouth breathing, stop the process and schedule an appointment with your vet. Stress to your cat can cause other health conditions, and it's always better to be safe than sorry.
Now that you know how to remove a tick from a cat, you'll be better prepared to help your furry friend should you run into this situation again in the future.
Dr. Laci Schaible is a small animal veterinarian, veterinary journalist, and a thought leader in the industry. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University and her Masters in Legal Studies from Wake Forest University.
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