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All you need to know about ticks and cats
Ticks are fearsome little creatures to which our felines are often exposed. Naturally present in the environment, they wait patiently on grass or shrubs for their potential host to pass within reach.
Identify Ticks: Description and Habits
Ticks are mites that feed on the blood of animals. Round and variable in size, they can range from a few millimeters to a centimeter in diameter. Ticks are particularly fond of damp, wooded areas, where they hide in tall grass, bushes or low tree branches.
Why are ticks dangerous for cats?
Ticks can transmit a number of serious diseases, the best known of which is Lyme disease, when they carry the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium. So it’s vital to protect your cat against these parasites.
How Cats Catch Ticks
Main Risk Factors
Cats that go outdoors, especially those that like to wander in tall grass or woods, are the most exposed to ticks. However, an indoor cat is not totally safe: ticks can also enter our homes on us, on dogs, or be carried by birds or rodents.
Identifying ticks on your cat
Spotting a tick on your cat’s coat can be tricky, especially if your feline has a long or dark coat. It’s a good idea to check your cat regularly for ticks, by carefully inspecting its fur with your fingers.
Treating a tick-infested cat
How to Remove a Tick Safely and Effectively
If you find a tick on your cat, don’t panic. It is best to remove the tick as quickly as possible. To do this, we recommend the use of tick forceps, which allow you to remove the tick by grasping it as close to the skin as possible, without crushing its body. After removing the tick, carefully disinfect the bitten area.
Resources and After-Care for Cats
After removing a tick, it’s important to monitor your cat for signs of tick-borne disease, such as fever, depression, loss of appetite or unusual gait. If in doubt, consult a veterinarian.
Prevention, the best weapon against tick infestation
Practical Tips for Tick Prevention
Taking preventive measures is the best way to protect your cat from ticks. This involves regular administration of anti-parasite treatments (pipettes, tablets, collars…), as well as simple gestures such as avoiding letting your cat wander in tall grass, and carrying out regular coat inspections.
Recommended Products for Tick Prevention in Cats
There are many products on the market that promise to protect your cat from ticks. Selecting the right product for your cat is a matter for your vet, taking into account a number of parameters, such as your cat’s age, weight, general state of health and lifestyle (indoor or outdoor cat).
Protect your cat from parasites
Protecting your cat from parasites is an important and ongoing task. By taking the right preventive measures and remaining vigilant, you can help keep your cat healthy and tick-free. Never forget that the best defense against ticks is good prevention!
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