---
title: "Parasites and Prevention: Ticks"
description: "Learn about tick-borne diseases in cats, how to safely remove a tick, and effective preventative medications recommended by veterinarians."
date: "2015-04-29T12:39:05Z"
author: "Just Cats Clinic"
image: "/img/74828615"
canonical: "/parasites-and-prevention-ticks/"
---

# Parasites and Prevention: Ticks


Spring has finally sprung and many of us are spending more time outside. Unfortunately, the blossoming of flowers and
the reemergence of grasses bring with them certain risks and dangers for your cat. Chief among those are pests and
parasites looking to feed on your beloved pet after a winter of dormancy. One of the most dangerous is the tick.

## What Are Ticks?

Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of their animal hosts. Though commonly called insects, ticks are arachnids,
just like spiders and mites. By themselves, their bites are not generally harmful to humans or pets. However, many ticks
carry diseases that can be passed directly into your cat’s bloodstream and that can potentially be fatal. And even
when those are not transmitted, the bites can still result in nasty infections.

Ticks are most prevalent in the late spring and early summer.

## How Do Ticks Get on Your Cat?

Ticks generally live in tall bushes or long grasses. When an animal brushes past, the parasites quickly climb onto the
potential host. Once there, they proceed to bite the animal and begin sucking its blood. Fortunately, ticks can only
crawl and cannot fly or jump.

Outdoor cats are obviously more likely to pick up ticks, but indoor kitties can also get them if their owners or any
other pets living in the house bring them in.

## What Diseases Can Your Cat Get from a Tick Bite?

If you think that your cat has been bitten by a tick, please don’t hesitate to seek veterinary help immediately, as
ticks can transmit several potentially fatal diseases. These include:

- Babesia, Cytauxzoonosis, and Mycoplasma, which are similar to Lyme’s Disease. Symptoms of those vary but tend to
  include fever, loss of appetite, jaundice, and severe anemia.
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Severe blood loss
- Skin irritations and infections

## How Can You Determine Whether Your Cat Has Ticks?

Because ticks swell once they begin ingesting blood, they are generally visible to the naked eye once they get on your
feline friend. However, there is always a possibility that they are obscured by your cat’s fur. So if you live in an
area where ticks are common, it is a good idea to check your kitty regularly and with more than just a visual
inspection. Start by running your hands carefully over and through your cat’s fur, especially around the ears, head,
and feet (where fur is thinner and the flesh more accessible to ticks). If you feel an odd bump, carefully brush your
kitty’s fur aside and inspect more closely.

While dogs are often tick magnets, it is unusual to find more than one or two ticks on a cat at any given time because
felines are such fastidious groomers. If you do find multiple ticks on your kitty, take it to the vet immediately, as
this could signal that your cat has a more serious illness that is causing it to stop grooming properly.

## How Do You Remove a Tick?

If you find a tick on your feline friend, it is essential that you remove it immediately and carefully. And remember you
can always call your veterinarian for help in removing the tick. If possible, always handle the parasite with blunt
tweezers, disposable gloves or, if no other options are available, a paper towel. Diseases and infections can be passed
to you through mucous membranes or open wounds, so be sure not to touch the tick with your bare fingers.

Start by grasping the tick as close to the skin surface as possible to reduce the possibility that the head detaches
from the body during the removal. Then pull the tick out with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk. If the tick
does not release immediately, continue applying steady pressure. It may take a few minutes of slow, constant pulling to
get the tick to release from its host. Once the parasite is gone, disinfect the bite area well and wash your hands with
soap and water.

When disposing of the tick, do not throw it in the trash or flush it down the toilet. Instead, drop it in a jar or
container of alcohol. Be sure to make a note of the details of where and when the tick bite occurred. Because different
species are prevalent in different regions of the country, knowing the particulars will help your veterinarian treat
your cat more effectively should it later develop symptoms of diseases related to tick bites.

## Can Tick Bites Be Prevented?

Yes. The best way to ensure that your cat stays tick-free is to keep it indoors at all times. In addition to that, there
are a number of treatments that can keep parasites away. Always check with your veterinarian FIRST before using any
over-the-counter tick preventive, as some can be toxic and cause reactions.