Key Points

• Ticks pose serious health risks to cats.

• Regular checks and prompt removals protect your pet. It's important to understand how to safely remove ticks from your cat and when to seek veterinary assistance. 

• You can protect your yard and pets from ticks through regular maintenance, such as clearing debris and using pet-safe repellents. 

  
  

Ticks are often overlooked in feline care, but they pose a real and serious threat. Fleas may get more attention, but ticks can quietly latch onto your cat and transmit dangerous diseases. Don’t underestimate these tiny parasites; they can have a big impact on your cat’s health.

If you’re a cat parent, understanding how ticks affect your pet and how to protect them is essential. Let's explore tick prevention for cats, the risks, and how best to keep your furry friend safe.

What are ticks?

Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that belong to the arachnid family (just like spiders). They latch onto animals to feed on their blood and potentially spread harmful diseases. 

When unfed, ticks are usually about the size of a sesame seed, but after feeding, they can swell up to the size of a pea. These pests range in color from brown to reddish-brown or black, and they’re often found in wooded or grassy areas. 

Once attached, ticks burrow into the skin, making them tricky to spot.

Why are ticks dangerous?

Ticks aren't just a minor irritant for your pets. They can transmit several diseases to cats, including cytauxzoonosis (bobcat fever), a serious and often fatal illness caused by a parasite. In cases of heavy infestation, ticks can also lead to anemia.

Although less common, ticks can expose cats to other pathogens, too. Early detection and tick prevention are crucial to protect your feline’s health.

Can cats get Lyme disease from ticks?

Cats are highly resistant to Lyme disease, so it is rare for them to contract it from tick bites. However, in the rare cases a cat is infected, symptoms may include lethargy, joint pain, fever, and loss of appetite. 

The primary culprit for Lyme disease is the black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick. Staying vigilant, especially during peak tick season, can help you catch problems early and reduce your cat’s risk of serious illness

How do cats get ticks? 

Cats can pick up parasites through various means, especially when they venture outdoors. Ticks are commonly found in tall grass, bushes, wooded areas, or leaf litter, where they wait to latch onto passing animals. 

Cats that roam freely or spend time in tick-prone environments are at higher risk of picking up these parasites. Even indoor cats can be exposed to ticks if other pets or humans bring them inside. Outdoor activities such as hunting, exploring, or resting in gardens can also lead to tick attachment.

Is there tick prevention for cats?

When it comes to protecting your cat, the best strategy is prevention. Here are some effective treatments to consider, ideally in consultation with your vet:

1. Topical treatments 

Topical treatments are a convenient and effective way to protect cats from ticks. Just like topical flea treatments, topical tick treatments for cats are applied directly to the skin, typically at the base of the neck, and work by spreading through the cat’s skin oils. 

These treatments kill the bugs on contact or after ticks bite, prevent infestations, and reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases. Regular application, as recommended by your veterinarian, ensures consistent protection and peace of mind for pet owners.

2. Oral medications 

Oral tick medications for cats are chewable tablets or pills designed to eliminate ticks from the inside out. 

Once ingested, these treatments circulate in the cat’s bloodstream, killing ticks when they bite. They provide systemic protection to ensure effectiveness across the entire body. 

Benefits include ease of administration, long-lasting protection, and — when compared to topical treatments — a reduced risk of skin irritation. 

3. Flea and tick collars 

Flea and tick collars are an effective option for combating both fleas and ticks at once. These collars release active ingredients that spread across your cat’s skin and coat to repel and kill parasites on contact. 

Flea and tick collars for cats offer long-lasting protection, often lasting several months, and are a convenient, low-maintenance choice for pet owners seeking a hassle-free solution to protect their cats.

4. Natural options 

Some natural tick repellents, like diluted essential oils, are occasionally used by pet owners. However, their effectiveness varies and may not provide reliable protection. 

It’s better to prioritize scientifically proven tick treatments recommended by veterinarians, as these offer safe, consistent, and thorough prevention against ticks for your cat.

Routine preventive care 

Routine tick prevention is vital to protect your cat from diseases like Lyme disease or other tick-borne bacterial infections like ehrlichiosis. To keep your home tick-free, vacuum carpets and furniture often, wash pet bedding frequently, and consider using pet-safe outdoor treatments for your yard. Regular grooming of all pets in a multi-pet household further reduces the risk of ticks spreading.

How to find a tick on a cat

Regular checks are the best way to catch ticks early. Here’s how to inspect your cat for these pests:

• Run your fingers over their fur: Feel for small, raised bumps, particularly around the head, neck, ears, and paws. 

• Look for signs of ticks: Check for tiny, dark spots beneath your cat’s fur. Ticks often resemble small black or brown growths, especially after feeding. 

• Observe grooming habits: If your cat is licking, biting, or grooming excessively in one area, it might mean they’re trying to remove a tick themselves. 

How to remove a tick from a cat

To safely remove ticks from your cat, use a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers. 

Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible without squeezing its body, and gently pull it out with steady pressure to avoid leaving the head embedded. 

Squeezing can release harmful pathogens into your cat’s bloodstream, so be mindful to avoid doing so. After removal, clean the bite area with antiseptic and monitor for signs of infection, such as redness or swelling. 

Do indoor cats need flea and tick prevention?

While indoor cats are less exposed to outdoor environments, they are not entirely safe from fleas or ticks. Parasites can enter homes on clothing, shoes, or other pets, posing a risk to indoor-only cats. Ticks can even latch onto cats through open windows or during brief outdoor excursions. 

Regular tick prevention is essential to safeguard indoor cats from potential diseases transmitted by ticks and ensure their health and well-being remain uncompromised.

Ticks aren't just a threat to your canine companions

Ticks are more than a minor nuisance for your feline friend. From spreading dangerous diseases to causing health complications, these parasites should not be underestimated. 

Prevention, regular checks, and prompt removal are key to keeping your cat safe and healthy. 

For extra peace of mind, consider pet insurance to keep your pets protected in a situation where they may catch something from these unwanted hitchhikers. A pet insurance plan like Pumpkin Pet Insurance will have you covered in emergencies, as well as help you with preventative essentials. 

FAQs

What is the best tick prevention for cats?

The safest way to prevent ticks on your cat is by using veterinary-approved tick prevention products available in stores. These include topical treatments, oral medications, and tick collars specifically designed for cats. Always follow the product instructions for proper use and consult your veterinarian to ensure it’s the best option for your pet.

Can I prevent ticks in my yard?

To keep ticks out of your garden, keep the grass mowed and trim overgrown vegetation to limit the number of “hiding spots.” Remove leaf litter and debris regularly, and create a barrier of gravel or wood chips around your yard. You can also consider treating your yard with pet-safe insecticides or natural tick repellents.

What should I do if I can’t remove a tick from my cat?

If you're unable to remove a tick from your cat or feel uncertain about doing it safely, reach out to your veterinarian for assistance. They can remove the tick properly and provide further guidance.