Ticks are tiny, but there’s no shortage of myths surrounding them. Are they only a problem in summer? Can indoor cats get them? And is it really safe to remove one yourself?

We asked our vets to separate fact from fiction, and explain what every cat owner should know about ticks.

Myth 1: Ticks are only active in summer

Not quite.

Ticks become active when temperatures rise above 7°C. Traditionally, this meant they were mainly a spring and summer problem. However, with the UK’s increasingly mild weather, ticks can now be active from March right through to October.
That means it’s worth checking your cat regularly for ticks throughout much of the year, particularly if they spend time outdoors.

Myth 2: Only cats in the countryside get ticks

False.

Woodlands, heathland and grassland are the places most commonly associated with ticks, but they’re not the only places you’ll find them. City parks and other green spaces with plants and long grass can also harbour ticks.
Cats are generally less likely than dogs to pick up ticks, but it can still happen wherever ticks are present.

Myth 3: Indoor cats can’t get ticks

Usually true, but not always.

Strictly indoor cats are much less likely to encounter ticks, but it’s still possible. Ticks can hitch a lift indoors on people, dogs, clothing, firewood, plants or other outdoor items.
Most indoor cats won’t need routine tick prevention. However, if your cat lives with a dog, or someone in the household regularly spends time walking, camping or rambling in areas where ticks are common, it’s worth speaking to your vet about whether preventative treatment is appropriate.

Myth 4: Ticks are easy to spot

Not necessarily.

Ticks are very small when they first attach to a cat and can look like tiny brown, black or grey bumps or skin tags. As they feed, they become larger and change to a light or purplish-grey colour, eventually looking like a smooth, shiny, oval-shaped grey blob up to around 1cm long.

They’re most commonly found:

• around the head and ears
• under the chin
• around the neck and collar area
• between the toes
• in the armpits and groin
• anywhere on the body where your cat has brushed past vegetation

Rather than relying on sight alone, gently run your hands over your cat’s body after they’ve been outdoors. This can help you spot ticks before they’ve had chance to feed for long.

Myth 5: You’ll always know if your cat has a tick

False.

Most cats don’t show any obvious signs that they’re carrying a tick. If it’s attached somewhere particularly sensitive, they may scratch or bite at the area, but many cats show no symptoms at all.
That’s why regular checks are so important, especially after your cat has been exploring long grass, woodland or other green spaces.

Myth 6: You can remove a tick however you like

Definitely not.

The safest way to remove a tick is with a purpose-designed tick remover.
Slide the remover underneath the tick so the mouthparts are securely held in the hook. Gently twist the remover two or three times in the same direction until the tick releases its grip. Avoid pulling upwards, as this increases the chance of leaving parts of the tick behind.
Once removed, place the tick in a bag before putting it in the bin. Don’t crush or squeeze it.
Contrary to popular belief, petroleum jelly does not reliably cause ticks to detach, and burning a tick is neither safe nor effective. You should also avoid squeezing a tick while it’s still attached. This can cause it to expel blood back into your cat, increasing the risk of infection.

Myth 7: If part of the tick is left behind, it's nothing to worry about

Not always.

The aim is always to remove the whole tick, including its mouthparts.
If you think part of the tick has been left behind, or you notice redness, swelling or signs of infection around the bite, contact your vet for advice.

Myth 8: Tick bites are harmless

Usually they’re only mildly irritating, but they can sometimes cause more serious problems.

A tick bite may simply cause minor irritation where it attaches. However, some ticks carry bacteria that can cause Lyme disease, although diseases spread by ticks are thankfully uncommon in UK cats.
If your cat develops redness or swelling around the bite, seems unwell or behaves differently after a tick has been removed, arrange a veterinary check-up.
You can find more information about ticks and Lyme disease in our ticks on cats advice page.

Myth 9: There's nothing you can do to prevent ticks

False.

If your cat is at risk of picking up ticks, your vet can recommend a suitable preventative treatment.
It’s best to speak to your veterinary practice rather than relying on over-the-counter products, as they’ll be able to advise on the most appropriate treatment for your cat’s lifestyle and individual needs.

What should I do if I find a tick on my cat?

If you’ve removed the tick successfully and the whole tick has come away, you can usually monitor your cat at home with no further action needed.

However, contact your vet if:

• you think part of the tick has been left behind
• the bite becomes red or swollen
• you notice signs of infection
• your cat seems unwell or their behaviour changes

The bottom line

Ticks may be small, but knowing how to spot and remove them correctly can make a big difference to your cat’s health. Regular checks, safe removal using a purpose-designed tick remover and speaking to your vet about prevention if your cat is at higher risk are all simple steps that can help keep them safe.

For more detailed advice on ticks, including information on Lyme disease risk, visit our ticks on cats advice page.