TICKS Ticks, are a problem in warm, humid climates, and like fleas, live on the host's blood, however, they implant themselves in the skin. Ticks, having eight legs, are members of the arachnid family, and can be classified into three groups, depending on the number of hosts required to complete their life cycle. Each of these three groups is adapted to certain temperature and moisture ranges. They are hard-shelled, and vary in colour from dark brown to light brown-gray, depending on the stage of life cycle and species. They have oval-shaped leathery or hard flat bodies that expand as they feed on blood. Ticks spend 90 percent of their life off the host. Tick eggs hatch into seed ticks, which are tiny six-legged larvae. The larvae climb onto vegetation and climb onto animals as they pass by. After feeding for several days, they drop off and molt into eight-legged nymphs, which seek their host. Once the nymphs have had another blood meal, they drop off and molt into adults, which must feed before mating. Tick bites can develop into infected sores, and as with fleas, severe infestation may result in anemia. They can also carry and transmit illnesses. Diagnosis Look for small pinhead to lima bean-size bugs attached by the head to the cat's skin - usually on the head, neck, ears, or between the toes. Since ticks burrow under the cat's skin, small lumps with surrounding inflamed and reddened skin may also be present. How to Remove Ticks ALWAYS wear gloves when removing ticks. Grasp the tick with tweezers flush to the skin and pull with even pressure, making sure to remove the complete tick. Placing a piece of cotton soaked with alcohol over the tick's body, will help make the tick loosen its hold on the skin. Once removed, dab alcohol on the exit wound. NEVER apply a lighted cigarette or use gasolene or kerosene to remove the tick. Prevention is always the best medicine, and the best way to avoid your cat being infected by ticks, is to keep them indoors. If this is not possible, the ideal thing is to check your cat each time it comes back inside, and remove any ticks before they have a chance to attach themselves and transmit disease. Some flea preparations are effective against ticks, HOWEVER, they are insecticides and preparations made for ticks CAN BE DEADLY to your cat. It is best to check with your veterinarian before using any flea/tick preparations. References: The
Cornell Book of Cats
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