Finding a tick on your cat can be unsettling, especially if you are not sure how to remove it safely. Ticks are small, blood-feeding ectoparasites that latch onto the skin and can remain attached for several days while they feed, and cats often pick them up from long grass, woodland edges, and gardens with visiting wildlife. A tick in cats is common in otherwise healthy outdoor pets, and many cats show no obvious signs until you part the fur and spot the parasite. Quick, careful removal is the key, because rough handling can irritate the bite site and may leave fragments behind. The O'Tom Tick Remover is a simple handheld tool designed to help you remove ticks cleanly without squeezing the parasite. Keeping an O'Tom Tick Remover in your pet first-aid kit can make tick removal feel far more manageable when you discover one unexpectedly.
A tick in cats is usually found as a small, firm bump that does not brush away. When a tick bites, it uses specialised mouthparts to anchor itself into the surface layers of the skin, and the body can swell as it takes in blood. You might notice scratching, twitching, overgrooming, or sensitivity when you touch a particular area, or you may simply spot the tick while grooming. Common hiding places include around the head and neck, in the armpits, and around the ears. Removing ticks matters because they can cause local inflammation and irritation, and they can be associated with infection risk. Pulling straight up with fingernails or blunt tweezers can compress the tick or tear the attachment, which may increase discomfort for your cat. Avoid folk remedies such as smothering the tick with oil or using heat, as these can make removal more difficult; a controlled technique with a purpose-designed tool like the O'Tom Tick Remover is more predictable and usually quicker.
The O'Tom Tick Remover works using a straightforward mechanical principle: it slides under the tick at the skin line and then gently twists to disengage the mouthparts. Rather than gripping and compressing the tick’s body, the O'Tom Tick Remover has a narrow, forked slot that cradles the tick from the sides. By choosing the correct slot size, you can position the O'Tom Tick Remover as close to the skin as possible, right where the tick is anchored. As you rotate the handle, the tick’s attachment loosens and the mouthparts are encouraged to release, which helps minimise tissue trauma and reduces the chance of squeezing the tick. Many versions of the O'Tom Tick Remover include two sizes, which is useful for tiny, newly attached ticks as well as larger, more engorged ones. For most routine situations, the O'Tom Tick Remover provides a practical, low-fuss way to remove a tick in cats at home.
To use the O'Tom Tick Remover confidently, aim for a quiet moment and set your cat up for success. If your cat is anxious or wriggly, enlist a helper for gentle restraint, and offer a favourite treat afterwards so the experience ends on a positive note. Part the fur so you can clearly see the tick and the surrounding skin, and keep your movements slow and deliberate. The O'Tom Tick Remover is designed for a simple routine:
- Select the most suitable slot size so the tool can slide under the tick close to the skin.
- Approach from the side and guide the slot around the tick without pinching the body.
- Slide the O'Tom Tick Remover forwards until the tick is seated in the narrow part of the slot.
- Rotate the handle slowly in one direction for a few turns until the tick releases.
- Lift away once detached and place the tick into tissue or a sealed container for disposal.
After removal, check the bite site for mild redness or a tiny puncture mark and clean the area with a pet-safe antiseptic your vet recommends. Wash your hands and wipe or rinse the O'Tom Tick Remover according to the product instructions. If you find more than one tick, remove them one at a time and take a moment between each to keep your cat settled. If the tick is in a very delicate area (such as close to the eyelid margin), if the skin is badly inflamed, or if your cat cannot be handled safely, contact your veterinary practice for hands-on help.
Most cats will be completely fine after a tick is removed, and the bite site often settles within a couple of days. A small amount of redness, mild swelling, or a tiny scab can be normal, especially if your cat has been scratching. However, monitor the area because a tick in cats can occasionally trigger a stronger inflammatory reaction or a local skin infection. Contact your vet promptly if you notice increasing swelling, heat, discharge, persistent pain, or if your cat seems unwell. Signs worth discussing with a vet include lethargy, reduced appetite, feverish behaviour, lameness, or pale gums in the days following removal. If a tiny dark speck remains at the centre of the bite, it may be a small fragment of mouthpart; do not dig at the skin, and ask your vet for advice if a lump develops. If you are ever unsure whether a bump is a tick or a skin lesion, it is safer to ask for a professional check than to tug at it.
Because ticks are seasonal and opportunistic, prevention is usually a combination of regular parasite control and simple routines at home. Ask your veterinary practice about suitable tick prevention for your cat, as products differ by species, age, and lifestyle, and some dog-only treatments can be dangerous for cats. Even with prevention, it is wise to do quick “tick checks” after outdoor adventures, particularly around the head and neck where ticks often latch on first. Brushing long-haired cats and checking around the ears can help you spot a tick in cats before it becomes firmly attached. Keeping an O'Tom Tick Remover in your car, hiking bag, or grooming kit means you are prepared if you find a tick away from home, and the O'Tom Tick Remover can help you deal with the situation quickly and calmly.
How can I tell if my cat has a tick?
Ticks often feel like a small, firm lump that does not move with the fur. Part the hair and look for a dark or grey-brown body attached to the skin. Some cats scratch or twitch, but many seem normal. Check after outdoor time, especially in warmer months.
Where do ticks commonly attach on cats?
A tick in cats is most often found where it is warm and sheltered: around the head and neck, under the collar line, in the armpits, around the ears, and sometimes between the toes. These spots are harder for cats to groom properly, so ticks can stay unnoticed.
Is it safe to remove a tick from my cat at home?
Home removal is often safe if your cat can be handled calmly and you use the right technique. A tool such as the O'Tom Tick Remover helps you work at the skin line without squeezing. If the tick is near the eye, the skin is very inflamed, or your cat is distressed, contact your vet.
What if part of the tick seems stuck in the skin?
Sometimes a tiny speck remains where the tick was attached. It may be a small mouthpart fragment or a scab. Do not dig at the skin, as this can cause more inflammation. Keep the area clean and speak to your vet if swelling, discharge, or a persistent lump develops.
Can indoor cats get ticks?
Yes, although it is less common. Ticks can hitchhike indoors on people’s clothing, dogs, or other animals, and then attach to a cat. Indoor cats that spend time in gardens, balconies with plants, or shared communal areas can also be exposed, so occasional checks are still worthwhile.
