Ticks are blood-feeding parasites that can attach to cats when they spend time outdoors. While they are unpleasant and can carry diseases, ticks are rarely dangerous to cats, especially when found and removed promptly.
Ticks do not jump or fly. Instead, they crawl or drop onto a cat’s coat when the cat brushes past grass or vegetation where the tick is waiting.
With regular checks and appropriate parasite prevention, the risks can be kept very low.
Ticks can be difficult to spot at first. When newly attached, they may be no bigger than a pinhead. As they feed, they swell and can grow to the size of a small pea.
Ticks are usually:
If you look closely, you may be able to see the tick’s small head and legs just beneath the body. Once engorged, ticks are often felt before they are seen, appearing as a small lump on the skin.
Cats usually pick up ticks when they:
Ticks attach when a cat brushes past vegetation where the tick is waiting. Outdoor cats and those that hunt are most at risk.
Ticks are most active in warmer months, particularly spring through autumn. They are commonly found in:
Regular checks are important, especially if your cat goes outdoors. Run your hands gently over your cat’s body, feeling for any small bumps. Pay close attention to:
Brushing your cat can also help dislodge ticks before they attach.
It is not possible to prevent ticks entirely, but you can significantly reduce the risk.
Many flea treatments also kill ticks. If a tick attaches, these products usually cause it to die and drop off within 24–48 hours. Even so, removing visible ticks promptly is still recommended.
If you live in a high-risk area or your cat frequently gets ticks, a tick repellent collar may help stop ticks attaching in the first place. These collars often also protect against fleas.
Choose products recommended by your vet
Ensure collars have a quick-release safety mechanism
Checking your cat after they come indoors is one of the simplest and most effective ways to catch ticks early.
Never use tick or flea products made for dogs on cats, as some are extremely dangerous and can be fatal.
You do not usually need to see a vet if you have removed a tick successfully and the skin looks normal. However, contact your vet if:
Some ticks in Ireland carry a bacterium called Borrelia, which can cause Lyme disease. Lyme disease is very rare in cats, and when it does occur, symptoms are often mild.
Possible signs include:
If your cat becomes unwell after a tick bite, speak to your vet. Testing and antibiotic treatment are usually effective.
Tick-borne encephalitis: Very rare in pets but can affect humans; symptoms include fever, headache and neck stiffness
Although these diseases are uncommon, prompt tick removal and parasite prevention reduce risk further.
Yes. Ticks can attach to people, although they cannot live on humans long-term. Tick bites may cause irritation and, in rare cases, transmit diseases such as Lyme disease.
If you find a tick on yourself and feel unwell afterwards, follow HSE advice or contact your healthcare provider.
