How to Protect Your Cat from Ticks

Here are some tips on how to protect your cat from ticks so you can reduce their risk of being bitten.   

Keep Your Cats Indoors

There are many good reasons to keep your cats indoors, one of which is they won’t be exposed to dangerous parasites like ticks that wait patiently for their next host. Remember, ticks can be so tiny that they’re very hard to spot, and if your cat walks through grass and other vegetation, one or more ticks might be there, ready to walk right onto your kitty’s body, even with the help of static electricity.

Rather than letting your cat roam freely or taking them for walks in areas that may have ticks, you can provide exercise and mental stimulation at home in a variety of ways, including interactive toys and puzzle feeders. And with the right enrichment strategies, your indoor cat can take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the great outdoors so they won’t be missing out. For example, your kitty might enjoy spending time in a secure catio, or they might be perfectly content gazing out the window while lounging on a window perch.

If your cat is already used to spending time outside, or you don’t want to restrict them to being inside all the time, employ smart strategies to keep them safe from ticks. For example, walk your cat on sidewalks and paved trails, avoiding areas with vegetation that can harbor ticks, or train them to sit in a cat stroller. Supervised time outside can keep your kitty happy and give you peace of mind. Just don’t forget to check yourself and your pet for ticks once you get home, just to be sure those pesky parasites didn’t somehow get on either of you.

Use Feline-Safe Tick Preventatives

Tick preventatives that repel and kill ticks can be especially helpful for kitties who explore the outdoors and are more likely to be exposed to ticks, but they can also be used on indoor-only cats who might be exposed to ticks for any reason (for example, there’s a risk of you or your dog unknowingly bringing ticks into the house).

There are several options available, both over-the-counter and by prescription from a veterinarian, to protect cats against ticks. These products come in various forms, such as spot-on and topical treatments, collars, and oral medications. There are pros and cons to consider for each type, brand, and medication, as well as potential health concerns and side effects, so weigh your options carefully.

Talk to your veterinarian for guidance regarding which tick preventatives are best and safest for your individual cat. You can also discuss when it’s wise to use these products, such as during certain seasons or all year long.  

Only use tick preventatives that are specifically formulated for cats. Never use products formulated for dogs on cats, as they can be toxic. Also, follow the product’s directions closely to safely apply or administer the medication. And if your cat experiences side effects, let your veterinarian know right away.  

If you come across products that repel and/or kill ticks using natural ingredients, confirm that they’re actually safe for your cat. For example, some essential oils are dangerous to cats, so be cautious and talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

An example of a spot-on treatment that kills ticks, and also works on other parasites like fleas and chewing lice, is Frontline Plus for Cats. Each application works for one month.

Check Yourself and Your Dogs After Spending Time Outdoors

As mentioned above, even indoor cats could be exposed to ticks if the parasites come into your home on your clothes or on your dog. So, check yourself and your dogs thoroughly before going back into your house after spending time outdoors, especially if you’ve been in a forest or other area where ticks are known to thrive.

Use Anti-Tick Products on Your Front Lawn and Backyard

Unfortunately, ticks might find their way onto your property, so it’s a good idea to treat your front lawn and backyard with anti-tick products that are safe for wildlife, plants, kids, and pets, like Wondercide Flea & Tick Spray for Yard and Garden which is easy to apply with your hose to repel ticks in your outdoor space.  

Also, maintain your garden by trimming bushes and trees, removing leaf litter and other debris, and keeping your lawn short. Hardscaping to remove grass and excess vegetation can also be useful. The goal is to make your yard unattractive to ticks.

Of course, even if you employ tick repellent strategies in your yard, it’s still wise to check yourself and your pets before heading back inside, as products might not be 100% effective all the time.

Regularly Check Your Cat for Ticks and Remove Any You Find

Whether or not your cat spends time outside, it’s a good idea to check them regularly for fleas, ticks, and other skin and fur concerns. You can do this by gently grooming them with a comb—a flea comb can be effective at grabbing tiny pests from deep within the coat—and using your fingers to feel for bumps that might be ticks. Be sure to check areas where ticks might hide, such as inside the ears, under the neck, on the head, around the tail, and between the legs and toes.   

The goal is finding ticks before they bite your cat, or at least removing a tick as soon as possible if it has already bitten your cat, as doing so may help prevent disease transmission. So, checking often is key. Plus, this will also help keep the rest of your household safe from those same ticks who might try to make their way onto other hosts.  

Learn how to remove a tick so you can take action immediately, or promptly take your cat to a veterinarian for tick removal if you don’t want to do it yourself.

When removing a tick that has bitten your cat, do so steadily and carefully to pull out the whole tick without squeezing too much or leaving the head behind. Use products like the Tweezerman Pet Tick Removal Kit designed for this purpose.

If your cat was bitten by a tick, let your veterinarian know so they can provide guidance, and keep an eye on your pet in case they develop symptoms so you can get them care right away. Your vet might even tell you to submit the tick for testing to determine if it was carrying any diseases.  

Protect Yourself and Your Cat from Ticks Year-Round

The threat of tick-borne disease is real, both for you and your pets, so take precautions throughout the year to keep everyone in your family safe. Learn about the types of ticks in your area and the diseases they can transmit so you’ll be informed about risks.  

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