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Preventing ticks on cats

Ticks are bloodsucking parasites that attach themselves to mammals and can stick around for up to two weeks. They tend to like habitats such as heathlands, moors and woodland and are particularly active during spring and early summer.

If a tick bites your cat, it will certainly cause some skin irritation and possibly inflammation, but the main danger of ticks is the infections they can carry and pass-on. UK ticks carry Lyme disease which can cause kidney, heart or nerve problems. Other side effects include lethargy, loss of appetite and fever.

Frontline Plus is an effective tick treatment that, when used regularly, prevents ticks attaching to your cat. Additionally, it reduces the chances of any ticks that do attach, spreading tick-borne diseases. 

Want to know more about ticks on cats? Read our FAQs below. 

Safeguarding your cat from fleas and worms too

No matter how clean your cat is, they are just as susceptible to fleas and worms as any other cat. These parasites are all unfortunately very common and can only truly be kept away with regular quality treatments. Find out more about these parasites below, plus easy treatment options available through our subscription service.

Ticks on cats FAQs

Want to know what ticks look like and how to remove one? Brush up on your knowledge of ticks in our FAQs.

Use a ‘tick remover’ to help you extract the tick. A tick remover is hook-shaped with a slot that slides either side of the tick. This should be gently twisted several times to remove the mouthparts from your cat. Once removed examine the tick before disposal to ensure the tick is intact and there are no mouthparts still present in your cat’s skin. Gently clean the area after removal of the tick. If you are unsure if what you have found is a tick, or how to remove it, your local veterinary practice will be able to help.

What does a tick look like?

Ticks can be tricky to spot amongst your cat’s hair. The most common area to find a tick is on your cat’s head and legs, although they can attach anywhere on an animal’s body. Ticks will appear as grey or brown immobile growths or wart on your pet. As they feed on blood their bodies enlarge and they become easier to identify..

What does a tick bite look like?

The bites of ticks can cause local irritation and inflammation, if they are scratched off and mouthparts are left buried in the skin a small abscess can result. When present in very large numbers they may cause substantial blood loss in young animals causing anaemia. However, the main danger of ticks is in the infections that they can carry.

How to get rid of ticks on cats?

  • Use a tick control product, such as Frontline Plus Spot-On, on a regular basis to reduce the number of ticks that can attach to your cat and reduce the chances of any ticks that do attach from spreading tick-borne diseases.
  • You may use a tick control product all year round, but it is of the greatest importance during the peak activity times of spring and autumn. Protect My Pet will help to ensure you never miss a dose by having your tick preventative arriving in the post, just when it is needed.
  • Humans can also be a food source for ticks, remember to protect yourself when walking in parks and woodlands. Tuck your trousers into socks and check your legs and ankles for ticks when you get home.

Subscribe now for year-round protection from ticks

Our protection boxes include Frontline Plus for cats – the UK’s No. 1 and most trusted brand.* Ticks tend to peak at different times throughout the year – and are more common in different parts of the country. Our in-house team of vets know the optimum times of year to treat your cat for ticks and how much to prescribe to ensure they’re properly protected. We’ll then deliver the right dose at the right time – so you’re fully covered and never forget to protect.

*MAT sales excluding vet channel, market share dashboard July 2020.