The Best Way to Remove a Tick From a Cat

If you allow your cat to venture outdoors, or if he lives outside, chances are he will get a tick at some point. Ticks latch onto an animal and feed on its blood. They can do serious harm by transmitting harmful bacteria into its bloodstream, which can cause Lyme disease, among other illnesses. As soon you discover a tick on your cat, you should remove it. Although it is an unpleasant task, it is not very difficult.

Things You'll Need

  • Fine-tipped or tick-removal tweezers
  • Latex gloves
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Cotton swab
  • Antibacterial ointment
  • Antibacterial soap
  • Jar or zipper-lock bag that contains rubbing alcohol
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Put on a pair or latex gloves for protection. Use fine-tipped tweezers or those specifically made for removing ticks to grab the tick by the head or mouth parts, right at the point where it enters the skin.

    • 2

      Pull firmly on the tick in an upward motion. Take care not to jerk or twist, as those motions can cause part of the tick to remain embedded in your pet.

    • 3

      Place the successfully removed tick into a jar or plastic zipper-lock bag filled with rubbing alcohol. Make sure you use alcohol, which is toxic to ticks. Water will not kill them. Throw the jar or bag away.

    • 4

      Apply rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab directly to the bite area on your cat, where the tick was previously embedded. Use another cotton swab soaked in pet-safe antibiotic ointment to clean the area afterward.

    • 5

      Remove the latex gloves from your hands. Wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and antibacterial soap.