How to Get a Tick Off a Cat

If you find a tick on your cat, don't panic--remove it. Ticks transmit illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to both cats and humans. "The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health" warns that the parasites can also cause bacterial infections, anemia and even, in cases of severe infestation, death. If the tick hasn't been on your cat for very long, it will have a flat appearance. A tick that has been on your cat for longer periods--several days or more--will have taken in more blood and have a rounder appearance.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Container
  • Gloves
  • Tweezers
  • Frontline Plus
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Instructions

  1. Manual Removal

    • 1

      Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol in a container with a lid. A jar or any container that can be sealed will do.

    • 2

      Put on a pair of latex gloves. Some diseases carried by ticks, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, can be transmitted through cracks in your skin.

    • 3

      Grasp the tick with the tweezers, getting as close to your cat's skin as possible.

    • 4

      Pull gently, slowly and steadily, keeping the tick straight. Avoid twisting the tick since that may cause its head to break off and remain lodged in the cat's skin.

    • 5

      Seal the tick in the container that has rubbing alcohol in it.

    • 6

      Dispose of the container.

    Topical Treatment

    • 7

      Choose a product designed to kill fleas and ticks. Frontline Plus is a popular over-the-counter choice.

    • 8

      Remove the applicator from its packaging.

    • 9

      Snap down the applicator tip. Hold it away from your face.

    • 10

      Put the applicator between your cat's shoulder blades, with its tip against your cat's skin.

    • 11

      Squeeze the entire contents of the container onto your cat's skin.