How do you remove a tick from a cat?

Use fine-tipped tweezers. Part the fur, grip the tick as close to your cat's skin as possible, and pull straight up with slow, steady pressure without twisting. Clean the bite, wash your hands, and dispose of the tick without crushing it. Having a second person gently hold the cat helps.

Is it safe to remove a tick from my cat at home?

Yes, prompt removal is better than waiting. The main cautions are to avoid squeezing the tick's body and to never use products meant for dogs on cats. Some tick and flea products safe for dogs, especially those with permethrin, are toxic to cats. If the tick is near the eye or your cat will not stay still, ask your vet to remove it.

What should I never use to remove a tick from a cat?

Do not use petroleum jelly, nail polish, a burning match, or dish soap to try to smother or force the tick out. These keep it attached longer and can make it release infected fluid. Never apply a dog-specific tick product to a cat.

What if part of the tick stays in my cat's skin?

If the mouthparts break off, try to lift them out with clean tweezers. If they will not come easily, leave them: the skin usually pushes them out over a few days. Watch for redness or swelling and call your vet if the bite looks infected or your cat seems unwell.

Do indoor cats get ticks?

They can. Ticks hitch a ride indoors on people, dogs, or through open doors and windows, and indoor-outdoor cats are at higher risk. Check your cat after it has been near doors, porches, or the yard, especially around the head, ears, and neck.

How to Remove a Tick From a Cat

The method is the same as for people and dogs: grip the tick close to the skin with fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight up. Cats need one extra caution, never use dog tick products on them. Here is the safe way.

Important: never use dog tick products on a cat

Several dog flea-and-tick products, especially those containing permethrin, are toxic to cats and can be fatal. Only use prevention labeled for cats, and ask your vet if you are unsure.

Step by step

A calm hold and a second pair of hands make this much easier.

1
Grasp the tick close to the skin
Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers and grip the tick as close to the skin surface as you can, by its head or mouthparts, not the swollen body.
2
Pull straight up with steady pressure
Pull upward with slow, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, which can snap the mouthparts off and leave them in the skin.
3
Keep pulling until it releases
Keep steady tension. A well-attached tick can take several seconds to let go. Let it release rather than yanking.
4
Clean the bite
Wash the bite area and your hands with soap and water, or rubbing alcohol.
5
Dispose of the tick
Do not crush it with your fingers. Put it in alcohol, seal it in a bag or tape, or flush it. Saving it in a sealed bag can help a doctor or vet if symptoms appear.

Removing a tick from a dog

The dog version, with tool tips for thick fur.

Read the dog guide →

Tick head stuck in the skin

What to do when the mouthparts break off and stay in.

Read the guide →

Frequently asked questions

How do you remove a tick from a cat?: Use fine-tipped tweezers. Part the fur, grip the tick as close to your cat's skin as possible, and pull straight up with slow, steady pressure without twisting. Clean the bite, wash your hands, and dispose of the tick without crushing it. Having a second person gently hold the cat helps.
Is it safe to remove a tick from my cat at home?: Yes, prompt removal is better than waiting. The main cautions are to avoid squeezing the tick's body and to never use products meant for dogs on cats. Some tick and flea products safe for dogs, especially those with permethrin, are toxic to cats. If the tick is near the eye or your cat will not stay still, ask your vet to remove it.
What should I never use to remove a tick from a cat?: Do not use petroleum jelly, nail polish, a burning match, or dish soap to try to smother or force the tick out. These keep it attached longer and can make it release infected fluid. Never apply a dog-specific tick product to a cat.
What if part of the tick stays in my cat's skin?: If the mouthparts break off, try to lift them out with clean tweezers. If they will not come easily, leave them: the skin usually pushes them out over a few days. Watch for redness or swelling and call your vet if the bite looks infected or your cat seems unwell.
Do indoor cats get ticks?: They can. Ticks hitch a ride indoors on people, dogs, or through open doors and windows, and indoor-outdoor cats are at higher risk. Check your cat after it has been near doors, porches, or the yard, especially around the head, ears, and neck.