How to Remove a Tick From a Cat Safely and What to Do Afterward

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Ticks are tiny, but they carry big problems. They feed on blood, can transmit infections and, in numbers, cause anemia. If you find one on your cat, calm and careful removal matters. See also ticks on cats.

Where to look

Ticks attach where the skin is thin and warm: around the head, ears, neck, armpits, belly, groin, between the toes and under the collar. Run your fingers over your cat's body after time outdoors, feeling for small bumps. A tick may look like a tiny seed, or like a swollen gray bean once engorged. Check in spring through autumn, or year-round in warm places.

What you need

• Fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool.
• Disposable gloves.
• Antiseptic, such as chlorhexidine or diluted povidone iodine.
• A small sealed container or zip bag, with rubbing alcohol, to store the tick.
• A helper, to hold the cat.
• Treats.

Step-by-step removal

1. Put on gloves, since some tick diseases can be transmitted to people.
2. Calm the cat. Have a helper hold it gently, and use treats.
3. Part the fur to see the tick clearly.
4. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, with tweezers or a tick tool. Hold the head area, not the swollen body.
5. Pull straight up, with steady, even pressure. Do not jerk, squeeze or twist.
6. Check the tick. Make sure the mouthparts came out. A tiny black dot left behind is usually fine, as the body will push it out.
7. Clean the bite with antiseptic, and wash your hands.
8. Dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol or sealing it in tape. Do not crush it with your fingers. Save it in a container if you want it identified.
9. Reward your cat.

What not to do

• Do not use petroleum jelly, nail polish, alcohol or a hot match to make the tick back out. These can cause it to release more saliva into the cat.
• Do not squeeze the body, which can push fluids back into the cat.
• Do not twist, which can break the head off.
• Do not use dog flea or tick products on cats. Some contain permethrin, which is toxic. See cat poisoning: what to do.
• Do not delay. The longer a tick feeds, the higher the risk of disease transmission.

Aftercare

The bite may be red and slightly swollen for a few days. Watch for signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, pus or heat. Check the area daily. If your cat scratches, a cone may be needed.

Diseases ticks carry

Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, cytauxzoonosis, tularemia and Bartonella, among others. Cats are less often affected than dogs, but cytauxzoonosis, spread by lone star ticks, is often deadly. Signs may appear days to weeks after a bite:

• Lethargy and weakness.
• Fever.
• Loss of appetite.
• Pale or yellow gums.
• Limping or joint pain.
• Difficulty breathing.

See a vet immediately if these appear. See cat emergency warning signs.

When to see a vet

See a vet if:

• You cannot remove the tick safely.
• The mouthparts are stuck, or the area looks infected.
• Your cat shows any signs of illness.
• You find many ticks, or a tick that has fed for days.
• A kitten, senior or sick cat is affected.

Prevention

• Use veterinary-approved tick preventives made for cats. Ask your vet about safe options. See cat flea treatment options.
• Keep cats indoors, or in a catio. See indoor vs outdoor for kittens.
• Keep grass short and clear leaf litter, since ticks live in tall grass and brush. See cat friendly garden and yard.
• Check your cat after outdoor time.
• Treat other pets.
• Wash bedding.

Collars

Some tick collars are unsafe for cats. Use only those made for cats and recommended by your vet. Use breakaway collars. See cat collars and breakaway safety.

First aid kit

Keep tick tweezers in your cat first aid kit. See cat first aid kit.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a tick need to feed to pass disease? It varies, but removal within the first day greatly reduces risk. Can a tick fall off by itself? Yes, after feeding, but do not wait. Can indoor cats get ticks? Yes, from other pets and people. Can I keep the tick for testing? Yes, in a sealed container, and ask your vet. Do ticks bite people? Yes, so check yourself too after handling.

After removal

Note the date and place on the body, and watch your cat for several weeks. Keep tick prevention up to date. If you live in a high-risk region, ask your vet about the risks and the best prevention for cats.

When to see a vet

See a vet for any tick-related illness. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.