Ask the Vet | 6 Ways to Get Rid of Ticks in Cats Permanently

Its Parasite season again in Macau and here are 6 ways to get rid of ticks on your cat. Many of these can be done at home. Home care that focuses on prevention mixed with tick removal will help you protect your cat from ticks, and the diseases associated with their bites and toxins.

1. Protect Your Cat from that First Bite
The best way to get rid of ticks is to protect your cat from getting bitten in the first place. Get your cat on a consistent monthly regimen of tick medicine to prevent these nasty parasites. You can supervise your cat outdoors where ticks are more likely to live. You can place an insecticide called permethrin outside. Douse cotton with it and put in biodegradeable cardboard tubes. Mice will collect the tubes for their nests, and then it will kill any ticks that bite the mice. Birds also feed on ticks, and control the population near your home.

2. Visit the Vet
It can be helpful to visit the vet, especially the first time you see a tick on your cat. The doctor can diagnose possible diseases related to a tick bite. He can also demonstrate tick removal so you know how to do it when you’re on your own, and can recommend flea and tick powders for prevention.

3. Use Medication to Kill Existing Ticks
Many medications will make your cat’s body hostile for ticks. The easiest tick medicines are applied as a liquid to the cat’s skin, between the shoulder blades. The medicine will kill existing ticks and deter future ones. Tick medication is really strong and can be dangerous. Make sure to buy it only from your vet or a reputable pet store, and to get the right amount for your cat’s weight.

4. Remove Ticks with a Special Brush
There are special flea and tick brushes that will remove ticks and fleas from your cat’s body. Make sure you are ready to catch the ticks that fall off the body, so that you can dispose of them properly.

5. Remove Ticks with Tweezers
There are special tweezers that remove ticks safely. When a tick attacks your cat, the head actually gets buried underneath her skin. Grab the tick with the tweezers as close to your cat’s skin as possible. Slowly but firmly, pull the tick out. Once the tick is out, wash the area of the bite with a pet wipe or some cat shampoo to clean it.

6. Discard the Tick Once and for All
There are several ways to make sure a tick is gone forever, once it’s off your cat. You can burn it or wrap it in cloth and flush it down the toilet. A tick will also drown in alcohol. Don’t put it in the trash, as it is likely to escape and bite again.

Hope this info helps
Till next week
Dr Ruan

Ask the Vet: Royal Veterinary Centre
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