Ticks are a menace that feed upon the blood of other warm-blooded animals and cats are one of their preferred preys. They also aid in transmitting different diseases. There are two well established families of ticks: Ixodidae (hard tick) and Argasidae (soft tick), and 4 stages of life that they cover in a short span of 2 months. The adult female dies once the eggs have been laid. These eggs change into larva and then nymphs and eventually adult ticks. In all three later stages, blood is required for further growth. Female ticks suck more blood than male ticks.
Ticks find suitable hosts via heat sensors. They get on their host by sticking themselves to clothing, fur or falling directly on them. Once they have found themselves a prey, they travel to that area of the prey that would have the least difficulty for the ticks to suck blood. This area in cats usually comprises of the ears and the skin around the ears or lips or wherever the growth of hair is less. The tick feeds through its pincher-like mouth parts that it injects into the skin of its prey and does not let go under any circumstances while it is feeding itself.
Ticks Removal
The most viable option when trying to rid your pet of ticks is to use tweezers or other such tick-removal instruments available in the market. You can buy Ticked-Off Tick Remover Tool or also try Hartz Ultraguard Plus Flea &Tick Cat Collar
Tick Control and Prevention
It is extremely important that you keep your pet away from all kinds of diseases. Thus, prevention of tick forms a significant part of this.
In order to keep your pet safe, don’t take it to places where the environment nurtures parasites like ticks. These are mostly woods and areas with tall grass or low bushes. However, if you must then take special care to avoid any such occurrence and check your cat once you are back from there for any possible tick attack. There are many products available in the market that might help you in relieving your cat from ticks. There are spray medicines, dipping medicines, bathing and powdering medicines, and even medicines for topical use. These not only remove the already stuck ticks but also help in preventing any further ticks to make your pet their prey.
You can find over-the-counter medicines as well as the ones restricted and bought only through prescription. However, it is advised that before buying over-the-counter medicines, do consult your vet!
Warning!
There are many rumors about certain methods that supposedly help in removing ticks. These are using an extinguished matchstick or a burning one or according to some, even applying nail polish to ticks to remove them. It must be noted here that any such method is NOT advised and neither is it useful. Thus, they must be avoided at all cost.
NEVER use tick products for dogs on cats!
Hard ticks are a major source of transmitting diseases like cytauxzoon, ehrlichia and Lyme disease. Although most tick bites are harmless, it is still advised to get your cat checked if you suspect any tick attack. A vet is the most authentic and reliable source on the kind of medicine you should use and the one that suits the needs of your pet.
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