Cat Ticks

[sherrardk]

Pretty sure my cat has got a tick on his neck. How can I know for sure before I try to remove it, I don’t want to make things worse if it’s not a tick. It’s on the side of his neck, in the fluffiest bit of his fur (he’s v fluffy, not smooth like most moggies). He’s only picked it up today and it’s a white, round thing. Unfortunately, I am v squeamish with a v weak stomach so I have had to limit my research somewhat (the photos made me want to hurl).

[tonyav]

How do I know if my cat has a tick?
Ticks are big enough to spot. Run your hands over your cat’s body when they come home for dinner each evening to check for any lumps or bumps. A tick will feel like a small bump on your pet’s skin.

They tend to attach themselves to areas around a cat’s head, neck, ear and feet. Brushing also helps to remove them.

Ticks vary in size between 1mm and 1cm long, depending on their age. They look like tiny spiders with a whiteish, egg-shaped body. This body becomes larger and darker as it fills with blood.

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/cats-and-ticks

[sherrardk]

Yeuch, you said blood :( I’ve ordered a tick remover (it’s coming tomorrow) - will have to do a three pronged attack with my eldest son and daughter (the cat’s favourite slaves) so he doesn’t get too distressed. Thanks for the non-visual info (I really am pathetic with goo).

[tonyav]

Best of luck, sherr.

[ladybirder]

Plenty of vids on YouTube sherr if you don't like this one showing you how to do it.

[Prudie]

I have taken loads off my cats over the years, don't worry they are as tough as old boots so they won't burst or produce goo. Wait till the remover arrives - personally I soak a small piece of cotton wool in nail varnish remover, put it on the tick which stuns it and makes it loosen its grip then take it out with my nails. This method may horrify the other cat owners on here but it works for me.

[sherrardk]

Ladybirder, I’m not watching that (I’d hurl). Prudie - I can’t touch it with my actual hands (was hoping 18 year, Royal Marine hopeful son would step up but no luck), but might try the nail varnish first and then the gizmo thing. I know I am a complete wuss.

[ladybirder]

Sherr on the video she uses gloves.

[sherrardk]

Yeuch, it might pop! I’ve got an ‘O’Tom tick twister’ coming tomorrow (thank you amazon prime).

[ladybirder]

Yes sherr, that's why she uses gloves so that if it does pop it goes on the gloves not on her skin. You must have a pair of marigolds somewhere:-)
I don't envy you I've never had to do it, yet!

[sherrardk]

Bleurgh - I’m just glad the kids spotted it before it got too settled in, never occurred to me to be on the look out for one.

[ladybirder]

Be interested to know how you got on, in all the gory detail, ready for the day I have to do it. All I know is you have to get all of it out in one piece if possible.

[naomi24]

My vet told me to smother the tick thickly in Vaseline. It suffocates them and they drop off - head and all.

[ladybirder]

That sounds brilliant N. Take it you haven't had cause to try it? Hope Sherr sees this.

[woofgang]

suffocation method not a good idea
http://lymediseaseuk.com/2015/10/26/tick-removal/

[sherrardk]

All geared up to tackle it, checked cat and the tick had gone - will keep a close eye for any further ones though.

[ladybirder]

I had no idea they just cleared off on their own. Lucky you.

[sherrardk]

I knew they fell off when they were ‘full’ but he only got it yesterday sometime, though I was rather relieved - think he might have been scrapping or something last night as his ‘mane’ (which is v pronounced) was very bedraggled this morning so maybe it got scratched off somehow (I will keep an eye on him just in case it hasn’t all gone and it gets manky).

[tonyav]

A good bit of luck that then, sherr.

[sherrardk]

It was tony - I’d all psyched myself up as well :)

[tonyav]

I’d all psyched myself up as well :)

It may come in useful in the future though, sherr.