Ticks are less talked about in cats than dogs, but outdoor and indoor-outdoor cats pick them up regularly. Because cats hide discomfort so well, a tick can go unnoticed until it has been feeding for days, so a regular hands-on check matters.
Finding a tick
Stroke your cat slowly all over, feeling for small bumps. Check the head, around the ears, the neck and under the chin — the spots a cat cannot groom easily. A feeding tick feels like a small, firm wart attached to the skin.
Removing it safely
- Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick tool; grip close to the skin and pull straight up with steady pressure.
- Do not twist, squeeze the body, or apply oil, alcohol or heat — these make the tick release saliva into the wound.
- Clean the site with antiseptic afterwards and wash your hands.
When to worry
Watch the bite site for swelling or infection over the following days. Lethargy, loss of appetite, fever or pale gums warrant a vet visit. If you are not confident removing a tick — especially near the eye — let your vet do it. For cats in tick-prone areas, ask about a cat-safe preventive.
