How to prevent our cat from catching ticks?
How to prevent ticks in a cat | Roberto Herrero
In Wamiz we offer you the best tips to avoid that your cat catches ticks, since they are transmitters of a great number of diseases.
– Commercial –
Although it seems an evil of another era, ticks are still the main concern of the owners of cats, especially those who usually go abroad. They are annoying beings that, in addition to causing terrible itching in our animal, can also transmit a large number of very dangerous diseases. Fortunately for you, in Wamiz we want to offer you the best advice and the most effective precautions so that your cat does not suffer this terrible nightmare.
What are the ticks that attack cats?
Ticks are small parasites, similar to spiders, which cling to our cat's coat and feed on their blood. They start being small, but little by little they grow and can reach the size of a pea after having filled with blood. Yes, the truth is that this practice is quite unpleasant. In general, ticks live free in the vegetation and in the interior of the forests, however, it is when they cling to the animals, when they show their true danger. They tend to be more active in spring and autumn, where temperatures are much less extreme, although they can be contracted at any time of the year.
How can I protect my cat from ticks?
Lyme disease, tularemia, feline ehrlichiosis … These are just some of the diseases that ticks can infect our cat, some of which can be fatal. In fact, the best way to prevent a cat from contracting some kind of disease related to ticks is to always keep it at home. In this way we will avoid the risk to the maximum. However, there are cats and owners who have a true adventurous spirit who should take the following precautions:
– Commercial –
- Keep the garden tidy: If your house has a garden, it should be in the best possible conditions. Remove weeds and pruning bushes and trees. This will prevent the perfect breeding ground for fleas or ticks from being created. These beings hate being out in the open, therefore, we are making it increasingly difficult. You should also be careful not to leave food in the surroundings, since it can serve as a claim for wild animals that we are habitual carriers of this type of parasites and that could infect our cat.
- Use a preventive treatment: Once again, prevention can be your best weapon to avoid such dangerous situations. There are many treatments that we can apply to our cat that will help us when it comes to preventing ticks. It is necessary to be well advised at the time of choosing the product in question, since not all are appropriate for our cat. It is best to be advised by our veterinarian.
- Shampoo with medication: In the market there is a wide range of specific shampoos for the prevention of ticks. If your cat has ever suffered, maybe this is the best option. It should be applied every two weeks to optimize the results, especially in the aforementioned times.
- Specific anti-scratch collar: If your cat gets along with the collars, maybe the anti-scratch collar is your best option. They are effective especially in the area of the neck and head and we must ensure that it is loose, but in contact with its fur to be fully effective.
- Direct observation, your best ally: No matter how many anti-tick treatments we use, the best way to avoid it is to be continually aware of our cat. If you return home after an expedition, check your fur thoroughly to make sure it does not bring any strange visitors. Emphasize between the fingers, behind the ears, around the neck and between the legs. If you find any, it is essential that you eliminate it as quickly as possible and that you contact your veterinarian. To remove it, you can use tweezers and you must be very careful not to crush it with your fingers, because the contaminated blood can be in contact with your cat again, with the risks that this entails.
Read also: They leave a box in the door of a shelter, what is inside does not even look like an animal
