How to Remove Ticks From Inside the Ears of a Cat

Your cat might rub his ear repeatedly if a tick has taken up residence.
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Along with the arrival of warm weather and tall grasses -- where your cat lives out his tiger fantasies -- comes a host of bloodsucking bugs: ticks. In general, cats are pretty good about keeping the diabolical beasties at bay, but it can be difficult for them to dislodge an embedded ear tick.

Step 1

Check your cat’s ears if he incessantly rubs or scratches them with his paws. He might also emit a sudden meow and dart across the room if a tick bite causes an unexpected pinch. Cats are fastidious creatures, so your cat might seem obsessed with his ear, rubbing his head on the floor in an attempt to dislodge the tick.

Step 2

Wrap your cat gently in a large bath towel to secure his feet and to protect yourself from potentially nasty scratches. Recruit a helper to hold him gently but securely.

Step 3

Grasp the tick at the spot where it connects to your cat’s ear, using just the tips of your thumb and forefinger. Take care not to grab any of the hair inside the ear.

Step 4

Pull steadily and firmly until the tick comes off. This is very likely to upset your cat if the tick’s head was deeply embedded.

Step 5

Dab a bit of rubbing alcohol or peroxide on the bite site with a cotton ball.

Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.

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