Ticks are one of the parasites that we least want to see in the home, and much less in our beloved cats. As soon as the good weather arrives, they multiply with amazing speed while feeding on the blood of animals. What's more, Even if we humans never leave the house, we can still bring some in attached to our clothes.Therefore, it is important to check yourself before entering the house, just in case.
Even so, it's important to know that You can never be 100% prepared simply by checking their clothes or surroundings. It's always best to put them antiparasitic to keep our furry friends protected at all times. If they get caught on something, we need to know How to remove ticks from a cat properly and what to do afterwards to reduce the risk of infections or diseases.
What is a tick and why does it attach to cats?
The tick is a ectoparasite belonging to the arachnid family It feeds exclusively on blood. When small, it is usually dark brown or black and measures only a few millimeters, but As it sucks blood, it increases greatly in size.It can resemble a small grain or a swollen seed. When it has ingested a large amount of blood, it appears more rounded and may acquire a grayish or whitish hue.
When it attaches to the animal's skin, the first thing it does is look for a place where it can feed for as long as possible; that is to say, it will hide in those areas where the cat has difficult accesssuch as behind the ears, between the toes, in the armpits, on the neck, the inner thighs, or the abdomen. It prefers areas with less hair and thinner skin, as it is easier to penetrate these areas with its mouthparts.
Ticks do not fly or jump, They simply wait in the vegetation (tall grass, bushes, gardens, or parks) waiting for a suitable host to pass by. When the cat brushes against this vegetation, the parasite attaches to the fur and begins to move until it finds the ideal spot to bite and start feeding.
Even indoor cats can be affected, since Ticks can enter the house attached to clothing or footwear from people, or to the fur of other animals. That's why prevention and regular checkups for your cat are key.
How to detect ticks on your cat
Regardless of whether your pet goes outside or not, you should thoroughly check the at-risk areas, as well as the rest of their body, since the parasite may be hiding elsewhere. Ideally, this check should be a... daily or very frequent habit, especially in times of mild or warm weather.
To look for ticks, It combines sight and touch:
- Slowly run your hand over the cat's entire body, noticing if there are hard lumps the size of a lentil or larger.
- Separate the hair in the neck, head, behind the ears, armpits, groin and abdomen, which are the preferred areas of these parasites.
- Observe if there are areas with redness, scabssmall wounds or inflammationwhich may correspond to a recent sting.
Some signs that may suggest the presence of ticks or a reaction to their bite are: constant scratchingThese symptoms may include discomfort when touching certain areas, loss of appetite, mild lethargy, or a slight fever. They don't always appear, but it's helpful to be aware of them so you can react promptly.
Risks and possible diseases transmitted by ticks
Ticks not only produce itching, irritation, and local inflammation in the area where they attach; they are also capable of transmitting various pathogens through their saliva while feeding. Although the incidence of these diseases is usually lower in cats than in dogs, the risk exists and can be serious, especially in cats with weakened immune systems or in cases of heavy infestations.
Among the diseases which they can transmit include:
- Lyme disease or borreliosisCaused by bacteria, it can cause lameness, fever, and loss of appetiteand can lead to chronic problems if left untreated.
- Babesiosis or piroplasmosis: caused by parasites that destroy red blood cells, with symptoms such as anemia, jaundice, and dark urineIt is considered very serious and potentially fatal.
- Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosisBacterial infections that affect blood cells, with signs such as fever, weight loss, or joint pain, and which can cause bleeding or chronic conditions.
- Other less common diseases, such as tularemia or certain blood parasitesThey have also been linked to ticks in felines.
The probability of infection increases with the length of time the parasite remains attached. In general, The tick needs to be attached to the cat for at least 24 to 48 hours to transmit many of these pathogens, so rapid detection and removal considerably reduce the risk.
How to remove ticks from a cat correctly, step by step
Once we have found it, We will need tweezers, gauze or cotton, and antiseptic. to remove it completely, because we often pull suddenly and leave the head inside, which could cause a local infection and complications.
Now We have to pick up the parasite with tweezers, as close to the head as possible.and make a twisting motion forward and upward. Never pull backward or squeeze the tick's body, as this could cause it to expel more saliva or intestinal contents into the wound. It is important to pull with firmness but in a constant manneravoiding sudden jolts.
When the tick comes off, visually check that The body and mouth are complete.Then, dispose of the parasite safely (for example, by soaking it in alcohol or placing it in a tightly sealed container) to prevent it from attaching to another host.
Immediately after the extraction, Clean the area thoroughly with the antiseptic. Suitable for use on animals. Over the next few days, check the small wound to make sure it doesn't become excessively red, swollen, or oozing. If you notice any abnormal signs, or if your cat seems lethargic, has a fever, or loses its appetite, it's best to take it to the vet.
Finally, it is highly recommended to give our dear friend an antiparasitic., such as a collar or a spot-on treatment specifically formulated for cats. This will significantly reduce the chances of ticks returning.
Adopt a combination of frequent check-ups, proper extraction, and antiparasitic prevention It is the best strategy to keep your cat protected against ticks and the diseases they can transmit.