How to safely remove a tick from your cat in 7 easy steps Show
When you discover a tick on your cat, your first instinct may be to grab a pair of tweezers and yank it out. Resist that urge! Safely removing a tick from a cat requires a bit of preparation, know-how and patience. Read on for our step-by-step guide so you can safely remove a tick from your cat. How to remove a tick from your cat1. Gather your toolsYou’ll first need to gather some supplies to make the removal as fast and as comfortable for your cat as possible.
2. Locate the tick on your cat’s skinPart the fur carefully around the tick, taking care to keep your cat as calm as possible. If possible, recruit a helper to hold the cat still while you work. Speak in a gentle, soothing voice, and move slowly. 3. Use the tick removal tool to carefully remove the tickRemoving a tick is tricky – you want to avoid accidentally leaving the tick’s mouthparts in your cat’s skin. Follow the instructions on the tick remover, and position the tool over the tick’s body, very close to your cat’s skin. Carefully pull and twist to bring the whole tick away without squeezing. Good to know: You should never try to burn off a tick or ‘suffocate’ it with a layer of petroleum jelly, as these methods could harm your cat. 4. Confine the tickPut the tick in a sealed container, and then keep it to show your vet, in case your cat becomes ill. 5. Clean the tick bite areaGently wipe the affected area of your pet with an antiseptic designed for pets. 6. Clean upClean your tick removal tool with a disinfectant and store it safely in case you need it again. Then dispose of the gloves and wash your hands thoroughly. 7. Know when to seek outside helpIf your cat gets distressed, the tick doesn’t come out in one piece, or your cat becomes unwell, get some advice from your vet. A single paralysis tick can make a cat very sick and can even be fatal. If your cat shows any symptoms of tick paralysis, consult your vet immediately. Prevent ticks on your catIf your cat spends time outdoors, especially if you live along the east coast of Australia where there are paralysis ticks, it’s advisable to use a product registered to control ticks. Make sure to use a product specifically designed for cats (some products for dogs can be extremely dangerous for felines). Your vet is the best source of information on the right tick prevention product for your cat. What is the best way to remove ticks from cats?How to Remove a Tick From a Cat. First, find a friend or family member to help hold your cat. ... . Using gloves, part the fur down to the skin and position the tweezers as close to the cat's skin as possible.. Grabbing the tick with the tweezers, pull upward and apply steady pressure without twisting.. How do you remove a tick from a cat naturally?Soak a cloth in almond oil and rub this carefully over the tick on your cat. The tick should eventually fall off. This remedy is especially effective for removing ticks from cats in areas where their skin is very thin, such as the ears, eyes or between the toes.
Can you comb a tick off a cat?Don't simply comb his fur—make sure to feel along his skin. If you feel a bump, check the area before moving on. If you're using a brush or comb, don't force the comb over a bump. You don't want to accidentally separate the tick's body from its head.
|