Tick ​​Prevention Tips: What You Need To Know To Get Rid Of These Parasites

Ticks are not insects; They are arthropods (relatives of spiders) that eat the blood of their hosts. They lurk in forests, fields, and pastures, waiting until their heat sensors alert them to nearby prey.

They then hold on to skin or clothing until they can embed their pincer-like mouthparts into the victim’s skin and begin to feel for blood. The tick’s mouth is made to latch onto meat and will voluntarily loosen its grip only when it has finished feeding.

Ticks, like fleas, transmit diseases that affect both animals and people. Cats are generally not as affected by ticks as dogs, but I have picked up the occasional tick from my cats. If ticks are a problem where you live, inspect your cat at least once a week, more often if he goes outside, especially in hot weather.

A fine-toothed flea comb can help you locate ticks under their fur. If you find a tick attached, carefully remove it. While ripping the head off has a certain appeal, you don’t want to leave the head on your cat’s skin where it can cause infection.

You can make the tick loosen its grip by rubbing it with a cotton ball soaked in iodine, alcohol, or a strong saline solution. Then grasp the tick’s body with forceps, tweezers, or your fingers with a tissue on top.

You can also use a special tick remover, available at some pet supply stores. Pull gently and straight out. Don’t squeeze the tick, it could force its bodily fluids onto your cat or yourself, increasing the chances of infection or disease.

Dispose of the tick in a safe place. Clean the bite with alcohol, Betadine or iodine. After about five minutes, apply antiseptic ointment. Wash your hands and any tools you have used with soap and hot water.

After removing the tick, you should see a small hole in the skin. A black dot indicates that you have left the head. Don’t panic, but keep an eye on the place for a few days. If you see signs of infection, call your vet.