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Ticks are a type of parasitic arthropod (they are not technically an insect) that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals (including humans). These parasites can cause many health problems from minor sores, scratching and allergic reactions to diseases such as Lyme, which is caused by a specific type of tick called a "deer tick." The best way to avoid ticks on you or your pets is to recognize where they are most likely to be found and take some preventative measures.

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EditSteps

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    1
    Prevent your cat from frequenting areas in which ticks thrive, such as the woods, tall grass or low brush areas, if possible.
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    Check your pet after he or she is outdoors to ensure that any ticks are removed.
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    Apply veterinarian-approved tick spray and powder on your cat.
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    Use veterinarian-approved tick dips on your cat.
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    Apply topical tick medication as approved by your veterinarian to areas affected.
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    Use tick collars to help prevent ticks from attaching to your cat and help detach those already on your cat; change the collars every few months.
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    Use a spot-treatment tick prevention product that is applied between your cat's shoulder blades each month.
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    Shampoo your cat with a tick shampoo, leaving it on for about 10 minutes and then rinsing completely.
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EditTips

  • The best way to remove a tick that has attached to your cat is to use a pair of tweezers or special tick-removal appliance and pull the tick out. Be careful to not touch the tick to avoid contact with any diseases. Grab the tick as near to the skin (head) as possible and pull gently until it comes off or out of the skin. If the head comes off and not out, attempt to grab it with the tweezers or appliance or get as much of it as possible. If some of it remains under your cat's skin, it will most likely be dislodged through your cat's normal immune response, such as an abscess.
  • If you find 1 or more ticks on your cat and are concerned about disease transmission, save the tick and show it to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian should be able to identify the tick and advise you on whether it is a common carrier of disease.

EditWarnings

  • Take care when using sprays and powder on your pets. An asthmatic cat can have a severe reaction to inhaling sprays and powders. It may be best to stick with topical applications of insecticides, flea and tick collars or similar products for these cats.
  • Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide that is commonly found in products such as flea and tick sprays and powders. For the most part, pyrethrins are safe for animals; however, they are toxic to fish. Care should be taken to avoid spray or powders around areas that contain fish, such as backyard ponds, or even bodies of water in which your pet might swim (even cats).
  • Never use flea or tick products on a young cat or kitten without first checking with your veterinarian. Some products that are safe for adults can be toxic to younger animals.
  • Always wear protective clothing, such as latex gloves, face mask and safety glasses, when using any type of insecticide spray, powder, shampoo or dip. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after applying these products and removing any ticks.

EditThings You'll Need

  • Tick spray or powder
  • Tick dip (also called "flea and tick" dip)
  • Topical tick medication
  • Tick collar
  • Tick spot treatment insecticide
  • Tick shampoo
  • Protective clothing


EditRelated wikiHows

How to
Remove a Deer Tick

How to
Identify a Deer Tick

EditSources and Citations

Article Info

Categories: Feline Health

Recent edits by: Arkaisia123, Gloster flyer, Maluniu

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