I absolutely hate ticks… They gross me out so so bad that I sometimes cry when I find one on me lol π Having an adventure cat definitely exposes you to those tiny creatures. Especially if your pet likes to hunt bugs – Chumka never misses an opportunity to go after his “prey”. There are steps that we take to protect ourselves from ticks. So far the success rate is 100% – except the one time I forgot to do my post-adventure routine lol
I have a weekly newsletter focused on everything (adventure) cat related. I like to share what cat community finds beneficial, helpful tips/ advice, and talk about common challenges – such as protecting you and your pet from ticks. Plus some wholesome content to brighten your day and kick off your weekend with positive message. Sign up below:
Why are ticks so dangerous?
Tick-borne diseases are a serious concern for both humans and pets. These tiny parasites can transmit a variety of illnesses, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Ehrlichiosis. Any of those can lead to symptoms like fever, joint pain, lethargy, and even organ damage (if left untreated).
Ticks usually latch onto our pets while they are exploring the great outdoors. They are most active during the warmer months, so it is important to be extra vigilant during this time. I wrote a post on summer activities you can do with your cat/pet ππ
How you can protect your pet
There are 2 ways that you can protect your kitty from ticks. When used together, they are very powerful in keeping your furriend safe.
One way is by using tick medications or repellents on them. They work by either killing ticks on contact or repelling them from attaching to our pets. These products are available in various forms such as spot-on treatments, collars, and sprays.
It is essential to choose a product that is specifically designed for your pet’s species and weight. There are plenty of over the counter products that are marked as safe for both dogs and cats – however, some of them should not be used on/for cats. It’s important to read the labels and know what chemicals/ ingredients can be harmful to your pet.
Consulting with your veterinarian can help you select the most suitable option for your furry friend. Here is a great article/ guide on flea and tick products. I personally used it to familiarize myself with different possible option before talking with our vet.
Another way to keep your furriend safe is regularly checking your pet for ticks, especially after outdoor activities. Ticks can hide in hard-to-spot areas such as between toes, under the collar, or in the ears. If you find a tick on your pet, it is important to remove it carefully using tweezers or a tick removal tool.
Click here to learn what I pack for our kitty adventures – including tools to check for ticks.
Last words on the topic
In conclusion, tick-borne diseases can have serious consequences for our pets. So it’s very important to be proactive in preventing tick bites and regularly checking for these parasites. Consult with your veterinarian about the best preventive measures and keep an eye out for any symptoms that may indicate a tick-borne illness.
If you want to learn how I find cat-friendly places to explore, click here π
Hope you found this post helpful π Please give your pet some love from me ππ