How to Get a Tick Off a Cat
If you find a tick on your cat, don't panic--remove it. Ticks transmit illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to both cats and humans. "The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health" warns that the parasites can also cause bacterial infections, anemia and even, in cases of severe infestation, death. If the tick hasn't been on your cat for very long, it will have a flat appearance. A tick that has been on your cat for longer periods--several days or more--will have taken in more blood and have a rounder appearance.
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Instructions
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Manual Removal
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Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol in a container with a lid. A jar or any container that can be sealed will do.
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Put on a pair of latex gloves. Some diseases carried by ticks, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, can be transmitted through cracks in your skin.
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3
Grasp the tick with the tweezers, getting as close to your cat's skin as possible.
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Pull gently, slowly and steadily, keeping the tick straight. Avoid twisting the tick since that may cause its head to break off and remain lodged in the cat's skin.
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Seal the tick in the container that has rubbing alcohol in it.
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Dispose of the container.
Topical Treatment
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Choose a product designed to kill fleas and ticks. Frontline Plus is a popular over-the-counter choice.
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Remove the applicator from its packaging.
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Snap down the applicator tip. Hold it away from your face.
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Put the applicator between your cat's shoulder blades, with its tip against your cat's skin.
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Squeeze the entire contents of the container onto your cat's skin.
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Tips & Warnings
The best way to prevent your cat from getting ticks is to keep your cat inside.
Avoid crushing or "popping" the tick after you've removed it.
Keep an eye on the spot from which you removed the tick. If it swells or turns red, take your cat to the vet immediately.
Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and hot water when you finish removing the tick.
Do not burn the tick off of your cat since your cat's hair can easily catch fire
Cats with severe tick infestations need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
If, after removing the tick, you discover that the tick's head is still lodged in your cat's skin, take your cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible to avoid infection or the transmission of tick-born diseases.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit cat image by matko from Fotolia.com
