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Where should I check a cat for ticks?

Check around the head, ears, eyelids, neck and collar area, then feel carefully over the whole body, including armpits, groin, legs, paws and tail base.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Cat owners

Short answer

Check around the head, ears, eyelids, neck and collar area, then feel carefully over the whole body, including armpits, groin, legs, paws and tail base.

At a glance

Ticks can be difficult to see beneath dense fur, so slow fingertip checks are useful after outdoor exposure.

Key takeaways

• Choose a calm, well-lit place.

• Part the fur and feel for small bumps.

• Get veterinary help for sensitive locations or an uncooperative cat.

Start where ticks are easily missed

Use gentle handling and stop if the cat becomes distressed. A torch and fine comb can help inspection, but a comb does not reliably remove an attached tick.

Protect the cat and handler

Do not wrestle with a frightened cat or probe near an eye. A veterinary team can remove difficult ticks and recommend cat-safe ongoing prevention.

Relevant VuxLore tools

For cat-focused options, explore our Tick Removal Tools for Cats collection before choosing a tool.

Tick Removal Tools for CatsTick Removal Tools for CatsExplore the range →VuxLore® TRIO™ — Tre ganci rimuovi-zecche facili da impugnare in una pratica scelta di misure.VuxLore® TRIO™ — Tre ganci rimuovi-zecche facili da impugnare in una pratica scelta di misure.View product information →VuxLore® MAX™ — Strumento rimuovi-zecche a doppia estremità e presa facile, progettato per un utilizzo controllato.VuxLore® MAX™ — Strumento rimuovi-zecche a doppia estremità e presa facile, progettato per un utilizzo controllato.View product information →VuxLore® POCKET™ — Carta rimuovi-zecche 8 in 1 delle dimensioni di una carta di credito, con quattro estremità di rimozione.VuxLore® POCKET™ — Carta rimuovi-zecche 8 in 1 delle dimensioni di una carta di credito, con quattro estremità di rimozione.View product information →

Sources and further reading

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Preventing Ticks on Pets

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: What to Do After a Tick Bite