If your cat frequently ventures outdoors, it's highly probable that they will encounter ticks at some point. These minuscule parasites attach themselves to your cat's body and feed for several days if not promptly removed. It is crucial to detect and remove ticks early to prevent prolonged pain, discomfort, and the transmission of infectious diseases they may carry.
Introduction to cat ticks
There are two main types of ticks to be aware of when it comes to cats: hard ticks and soft ticks. Hard ticks, resembling sunflower seeds, are easily identifiable by the hard shield located behind their mouthparts. These are the ticks commonly found on cats. On the other hand, soft ticks, resembling raisins, are not typically found on cats as they tend to feed on other animals such as birds or bats.
What are cat ticks?
Ticks are parasites that bite into a cat's skin and feed on their blood. Unfed ticks are small, with eight legs, and can be black, brown, red, or tan. However, once they attach themselves to a cat, they can swell up to the size of a pea as they become engorged with blood. Unlike fleas, ticks are classified as arachnids instead of insects. Ticks can transmit diseases to animals they feed on, which is why tick prevention is an important aspect of cat care.
What do cat ticks look like?
Ticks are small, oval-shaped creatures with eight legs, resembling tiny spiders. They usually range in size from 1mm to 1cm and initially have a white body. However, as they feed on blood from their hosts (such as your cat), their bodies become larger and darker. Ticks are fairly noticeable on your cat's skin and can be felt as small bumps, which may be mistaken for skin swelling or masses. It's advisable to regularly inspect your cat for any signs of ticks.
Where do ticks come from?
Ticks are commonly found in areas with dense shrubbery, such as woodlands, grasslands, or countryside gardens. They are also prevalent in areas where deer, sheep, hedgehogs, or rabbits are present. While cats are more likely to encounter ticks during spring and autumn, these parasites can be found at any time of the year.
How can my cat catch ticks?
There are several ways in which your cat can catch ticks. The most common way is through contact with other animals. Cats often interact with other animals when they venture outdoors, providing an opportunity for ticks to transfer onto them. To minimize the risk of tick infestation, it is advisable not to leave food outside your house, as it can attract other animals into your cat's territory.
If you frequently go for walks in fields or woodland areas, ticks can easily latch onto your clothes. These parasites tend to cling to the tips of branches and blades of grass, and when you brush against them, they can attach themselves to your hair and clothing. This means that even indoor cats are at risk of catching ticks. Therefore, regardless of whether your cat ventures outside or not, tick prevention is important to consider and implement.
Another way your cat can catch ticks is simply through outdoor exploration. Ticks can survive in the environment even when they are not attached to a host. They can easily attach themselves to a cat's fur, just as they can attach to your clothing.
What are the risks of ticks on my cat?
Ticks pose a significant risk to cats due to the potential transmission of diseases during feeding. One such disease is 'Q fever', which can be carried by ticks. If a cat becomes infected with Q fever, it may exhibit symptoms such as high fever, loss of appetite, depression, miscarriages in female cats, and occasional seizures (though this is rare).
Another disease transmitted by ticks is Ehrlichiosis. Once a cat contracts this disease, it may experience various symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, swollen glands, lethargy, loss of appetite, swollen joints, eye discharge, and more.
Items needed to remove a tick from a cat:
Assistance from another person to help keep the cat calm and steady.
Protective gloves to wear, as ticks can carry diseases that can affect humans.
A tick removal tool, which can be obtained from pet shops or your veterinarian.
Cat-friendly antiseptic wipes.
A small container to safely dispose of the tick.
Disinfectant to clean the tick removal tool after use.
How to remove a tick from a cat
Removing a tick from a cat requires careful attention to ensure the entire tick is removed without leaving any mouthparts behind, which could potentially cause infection. If you're unsure about the proper technique or encounter difficulties during the process, it's best to seek assistance from a veterinarian. They can provide professional guidance and ensure the tick is safely and completely removed.
Here are the steps to safely remove a tick from a cat:
Prepare the necessary tools: Put on a pair of gloves to protect yourself, as ticks can transmit diseases. Have a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool ready.
Find the tick: Part your cat's fur carefully and locate the tick. Ticks are often found in areas such as the head, neck, ears, and between the toes.
Grasp the tick: Using the tweezers or tick removal tool, grasp the tick as close to your cat's skin as possible. Be gentle and steady to avoid squeezing the tick's body.
Remove the tick: Slowly and steadily pull the tick straight out, using a firm and even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in your cat's skin.
Check for completeness: Ensure that you have removed the entire tick. Check that no parts of the tick are left attached to your cat's skin. If any mouthparts are still embedded, consult a veterinarian for further assistance.
Disinfect the area: After removing the tick, clean the bite area with mild antiseptic or rubbing alcohol. This helps prevent infection.
Dispose of the tick: Place the tick in a small container with rubbing alcohol or soapy water to kill it. Avoid crushing the tick with your fingers.
Monitor your cat: Keep an eye on your cat for any signs of infection or adverse reactions. If you notice any concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian.