Ticks love long grass, leaf litter and wildlife corridors. Cats that roam hedgerows, woodlands or even city parks can pick one up in seconds. Here’s a clear plan to keep your cat comfortable and protected.
1) Quick facts about ticks
- What they are: Tiny eight-legged parasites (often 2–8 mm once fed).
- Where they wait: Grasses, shrubs and low branches; they grab on as your cat brushes past.
- When they’re active: Year-round, with a peak from spring to autumn.
- Why they matter: Most bites cause only minor irritation, but ticks can transmit infections—so fast, correct removal matters.
2) Daily tick check (takes 60–90 seconds)
After outdoor time, run your fingertips slowly over your cat’s body, feeling for small, firm bumps. Look extra closely at:
- Head & neck: under collar, ears (inside and around edges), chin
- Limbs: armpits and between toes
- Rear: base of tail and groin
A soft brush-through helps part the coat so nothing hides underneath.
3) How to remove a tick—safely
Have a tick remover or fine-tipped tweezers in your pet drawer.
With a tick-removal tool
- Slide the tool between tick and skin, as close to the skin as possible.
- Lift with gentle tension and rotate if the tool instructions say so until the tick releases.
With fine-tipped tweezers
- Grasp the tick right at the skin surface (avoid the swollen body).
- Pull straight upwards with steady pressure until it lets go.
Do not
- Crush or squeeze the body.
- Apply oils, lotions, or petroleum jelly.
- Burn the tick.
Drop the tick into a sealed container or tape, clean the bite area with mild saline, and wash your hands.
When to call the vet
- You can’t remove the whole tick or part seems left in.
- Your cat becomes lethargic, goes off food, limps, or develops a fever/swollen bite.
- You live in a known tick hotspot and your cat isn’t on preventatives.
4) Prevention that actually works
- Veterinary preventatives: Spot-ons, oral tablets or collars—ask your vet which suits your cat’s lifestyle and any household pets.
- Garden habits: Keep grass short, clear leaf piles, and discourage hedgehog feeding stations right next to cat lounging spots.
- Route tweaks: During peak season, steer walks and garden time away from long grass when possible.
- Kitten & long-coat focus: Check more frequently; dense coats hide tiny nymphs.
5) Myths—politely debunked
- “Petroleum jelly or perfume makes ticks let go.” It can irritate skin and make things worse. Use a proper tool or tweezers.
- “Once removed, there’s nothing to watch.” Monitor for 2–3 weeks; call your vet if your cat seems unwell.
- “Indoor cats can’t get ticks.” They can—especially if other pets or people bring them in on clothing.
6) Litter-area hygiene while you’re on tick patrol
Keeping the indoor environment fresh supports overall comfort—especially if your cat’s on a spot-on treatment:
- Place the tray in a quiet, low-traffic corner away from food and beds.
- Use a low-dust, highly absorbent litter such as Pacha Litter to reduce irritation and keep odours down while you focus on daily checks.
- Scoop twice daily and refresh fully each week; wipe the tray with mild, unscented soap.
7) Build your tick-safe home kit
- Tick remover + fine-tipped tweezers
- Saline or mild antiseptic wipes
- Small sealable pot or tape (for the removed tick)
- Treats (so your cat associates checks with something nice)
Bottom line
Routine fingertip checks, correct removal, and year-round preventatives keep tick worries small. Combine that with a clean, calm litter set-up using Pacha Litter, and your cat can enjoy the great outdoors while you enjoy peace of mind.
