Ticks in cats

Ticks in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
BSc
BVM&S
FHEA
Reviewed by Dr. Valter Carlos
✔ MRCVS
LMV
MSc
Updated October 16, 2025
6 min read

What to do

Causes

When to worry

Prevention

Recommended Products

What to look out for

Home Treatment

Vet treatment

Risk

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Ticks in cats

Ticks in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
BSc
BVM&S
FHEA
Reviewed by Dr. Valter Carlos
✔ MRCVS
LMV
MSc
Updated October 16, 2025
6 min read

Ticks are small parasites that feed on the blood of animals, including cats and people. The 'Big Tick Project' identified ticks on 6.6% of all cats visiting vet practices in the UK. Cats of any age or breed can get tick bites, but cats who go outdoors are at most risk. Ticks can spread a serious illness called Lyme disease.

Ticks are the size of tiny seeds when they first latch on to your cat. They stay attached to grow and feed for up to 5 days. Ticks can transfer disease by passing infections between animals when they feed on their blood. They have 8 legs and look a bit like spiders. Lyme disease is the most serious disease spread by ticks in the UK. However, Lyme disease is still very rare in cats and much rarer than in dogs. Irritation or infection at the site of a tick bite is a much more common problem.

Tick
Tick

What to do if your cat has a tick >What to do if your cat has a tick [What to do

How cats get ticks >How cats get ticks [Causes

When to worry about your cat having ticks >When to worry about your cat having ticks [When to worry

Tips on how to prevent your cat from getting ticks >Tips on how to prevent your cat from getting ticks [Prevention

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Things to look out for >Things to look out for [What to look out for

Home remedies to deal with ticks on your cat >Home remedies to deal with ticks on your cat [Home Treatment

Vet treatment for ticks in cats >Vet treatment for ticks in cats [Vet treatment

Cats at higher risk of getting ticks >Cats at higher risk of getting ticks [Risk

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