Ticks in Kittens
Ticks are external parasites that are commonly found in nature. Even kittens that are just starting to explore the world can already come into contact with ticks. These spider-like parasites hide in tall grass, bushes and forest edges and attach themselves to the skin of their host to suck blood. Especially from March through October, the risk of ticks is high. Because ticks can transmit diseases and cause inflammation, it is important to properly protect your kitten. Pharmacy4Pets helps you with suitable products for the youngest cats.
Dangers of ticks in kittens
A tick can cause itching, irritation and inflammation at the site of attachment. In some cases, ticks can even transmit pathogens, such as the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, Babesia, Anaplasma or Ehrlichiosis. Although cats rarely become seriously ill from a tick bite, the risk is greater in young, weakened or sensitive animals, or in cats with feline AIDS (FIV) or feline leukemia (FeLV). In addition, the longer a tick remains attached, the greater the chance of disease transmission.
How to recognize a tick?
A tick looks like a small, oval to flat “bump” that is firmly attached to the skin. The color varies from cream to dark brown or black. Pay particular attention to warm and moist areas such as the groin, armpits and neck of your kitten. Sometimes nipples are mistakenly taken for a tick; a nipple is pink and the color disappears when it is pinched with tweezers.
How to remove a tick from your kitten?
When removing the tick, it is important that you do not disinfect the tick bite beforehand or smear it with oil. To remove the tick in one go, grasp it as close to the skin as possible with the tick tweezer and carefully pull it straight up while twisting, or slide the tick hook under the tick and then twist it out. Check that all parts of the tick have been removed and, if necessary, disinfect the wound with Betadine solution. In the days following the bite, it is important to regularly check the skin to monitor whether an infection develops. In case of mild redness and swelling, you can apply honey ointment. If this does not help sufficiently, or if the skin becomes severely inflamed, contact your veterinarian.
“Erythema migrans,” the red, ring-shaped rash around the site of a tick bite, which is alarming in humans, is NOT seen in cats.
Tick prevention in kittens
Not every tick treatment is suitable for kittens. The choice depends on age, weight and the desired ease of use. Below you will find an overview of products that can safely be used for kittens:
- Tick and flea spray (from 2 days of age and a weight >125 g)
Frontline spray and Effipro spray may be used from a very young age. For very young kittens, always choose the 100 ml version (1 pump per 125 g body weight. The 250 ml version is 1 pump per 400 g). Spray onto the coat or, better yet, into a glove and then rub it in thoroughly.
- Spot-on pipettes (from 6 weeks / 600 g)
Vectra Felis works against both fleas and ticks. To be used from a weight of 600 g.
Frontline spot-on, Effipro Duo spot-on and Amflee Combo may be given from 8 weeks of age and 1 kg body weight.
Stronghold Plus, unlike Stronghold pink for puppies and kittens, also works against ticks, but may only be given from 8 weeks of age and a minimum weight of 1.25 kg (note: most 8-week-old kittens weigh less than 1.25 kg, so this product may NOT yet be administered). Stronghold Plus is only available with a prescription from your veterinarian. However, it is a very effective combination product that also works against ear mites, fleas, roundworms and heartworms.
- Tablets against ticks (from 8 weeks and 500 g)
AdTab and Credelio are palatable tablets that kill ticks and fleas after a bite. They do not have a repellent effect, but they do prevent long attachment. Safe from 8 weeks and 500 g.
- Tick and flea collar (from 10 weeks)
The Seresto collar provides long-lasting protection for up to 8 months. To be used from 10 weeks of age. Make sure the collar fits properly (2 fingers’ space), so that the product is absorbed through the skin. As your kitten grows, it is important to adjust the collar accordingly.
- Natural remedies: not recommended
Essential oils, garlic preparations or ceramic bead collars are often promoted as natural alternatives. However, these remedies are not scientifically proven and can even be harmful to cats. For kittens, use only registered products with proven efficacy and safety.
If you have a question about ticks in your kitten or about Pharmacy4Pets products, please contact us.
