What Should I Do If My Cat Has a Tick?

How to remove a tick safely, what to avoid, and what to watch for afterwards.

Quick Answer

Remove the tick promptly using a proper tick removal tool, twisting rather than pulling.
Never squeeze, burn, or use household products to try to remove a tick.
Ticks are most common in spring and autumn, particularly in woodland and grassy areas.
Keep an eye on the bite site and your cat's general wellbeing over the following days.

How to Remove a Tick Safely

Use a tick removal tool designed for pets, available from most pet shops and vet practices.
Position the tool close to the skin, around the tick's body, as close to your cat's skin as possible.
Twist gently and steadily rather than pulling straight up, to help remove the whole tick including the mouthparts.
Check the area afterwards to make sure the tick has been removed in full and dispose of it appropriately.
Clean the bite site gently and monitor it over the following days.

Avoid

Things Not to Do When Removing a Tick

Don't squeeze or twist the tick's body, as this can push infected fluid back into the bite
Don't use petroleum jelly, alcohol, or a lit match to try to remove it
Don't pull the tick straight out with fingers, as the mouthparts can be left behind

Worth knowing: Ticks can occasionally carry diseases such as Lyme disease or babesiosis, though these remain rare in UK cats. Removing ticks promptly and correctly is the best way to reduce this risk.

When to Contact Your Vet

You're unable to remove the tick fully or safely
The bite site becomes red, swollen, or doesn't heal as expected
Your cat seems lethargic, off their food, or unwell in the days following the bite
You notice multiple ticks, or your cat gets ticks regularly

How Pet Med Direct Can Help

Pet Med Direct stocks tick removal tools and preventative parasite treatments to help reduce the chances of ticks attaching in the first place, particularly useful during spring and autumn when ticks are most active.

If your vet recommends a prescription tick treatment or needs to assess a bite site, Pet Med Direct can help with dispensing once your vet has issued a valid prescription.

Some treatments require a valid veterinary prescription. Pet Med Direct can only supply prescription medicines after the prescription has been checked. Always follow your vet's advice and the directions on the product label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove a tick with my fingers?

It's best to avoid this. Using a proper tick removal tool reduces the risk of leaving the mouthparts behind or squeezing the tick's body, which can increase the risk of infection.

What if part of the tick is left behind?

A small remaining mouthpart often resolves on its own, but if the area becomes red, swollen, or doesn't settle, contact your vet for advice.

When are ticks most common in the UK?

Ticks are most active in spring and autumn, particularly in woodland, grassland, and areas with longer grass.

Can ticks make my cat seriously ill?

Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and babesiosis are rare in UK cats, but prompt, correct removal of any tick is still the sensible approach to keep the risk as low as possible.

Do indoor cats need tick protection?

Ticks are picked up outdoors, so cats that go outside, even briefly, are at some risk. Cats that are strictly indoor-only have a much lower risk of picking up ticks.

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This this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice.
If you are concerned with your dog’s health, please consult a qualified veterinarian.