My cat had a tick, which we removed, and now it has a red lump on its ear - what to do?!

[UnrequitedSkink]

Is it infected? Should I just leave it? We (DH) removed it with tweezers as per instructions he found on a website. It looked like we got the head but maybe not? She doesn't seem to be unwell but she won't let me have a proper look.

You need to get a good look is it just a red lump or a red lump with a black spot in the centre.
If it is just a red lump it is a reaction to the tick injecting saliva into the cat keep a close eye on it if it gets larger or starts to weep then the cat probably needs a vet.
If there is a black spot in the centre the head of the tick maybe left in and it is probably worth seeing the vet for them to take it out.
The safest way to deal with ticks at home is to smother them with vaseline they will then not be able to breath die and fall out.

It's my own fault, she hadn't been frontlined for a while, was definitely overdue. I'll have to pin her down and see if I can get a good look at it, thanks.

I got a tick I killed /removed it & put neat t tree straight on it; it works well on cats & dogs for any infection IMO.

Go to the vet/pet shop and buy a tick removing tool - hardly any money and foolproof for getting every last bit of tick out, without the tick disgorging saliva into the animal.

It's the only way to be sure it's done properly.

It could be that some of the tick is left behind in the cats ear. Unless ticks are dead or drop off of there own choice, they bury feet/head in to keep hold and these can get left behind and cause pain/infection if not removed. Keep eye on it and if worsens see a vet.
In future, best way to remove is with red hot match head straight on tick - kills the little fucker and they release themselves.
Yuk. Ticks are vile.

It really was vile - we'd been away for the weekend and by the time we found it it was all grey and swollen and dangling from her poor ear. It was about the size of a baked bean!

The swelling seems to be less red and a bit smaller so I'm hoping she's getting better.

missmoppy, your advice about using a hot match to remove ticks is really dangerous. Any method which causes distress to the tick increases the likelihood of the tick regurgitating its blood meal and thereby passing infection to you or your pet.

Please do not use that method! Or any methods involving smothering them with Vaseline, touching them with a cigarette, applying spirit, pinching with fingers etc. The only safe way to remove them is using a twister tool (ideally) or very fine tweezers (fiddlier).

See LINK.

:)

We get ticks all time. (DH and I and kids!) Country bumpkins that we are. They are yuck. Dh had one in the crack of his arse tother week. I had the joy of removing it as he couldn't reach..... Nothing like wielding tweezers with your nose two inches away from a hairy bum hole

Occasionally swollen redness for a few days after they've been removed (I just use tweezers) but never comes to anything. Wouldn't worry too much unless it gets worse.

thatdamndog, I have had dogs for 36 years, living in rural area for most of those, and have used the match method for as many years - with no problems.

and its moopy, not moppy

missmoopy, in the same way as lots of things have been done for years and "haven't done me any harm", good for you. I was merely correcting your advice with the recommended method of removal.

As a rural vet who has dealt with Borreliosis in dogs and unfortunately sees the devastating effects of louping ill in birds, cattle and and sheep on a regular basis, as well has having seen several friends experience the often debilitating effects of Lyme disease themselves, I take ticks, their prevention and their proper removal very seriously. It is estimated that in my locale 1 in 3 ticks now carries Borrelia - and we have seen a corresponding increase in human infection, sadly. You will find further information, if you are interested, on the link I posted earlier. If you deal with ticks as frequently as you suggest in your post then I would encourage you to do so for your own protection.

I would get him checked out just to be safe. Until then, bathe the area with dilute salty water to keep any infection at bay :)

Hopefully its just a reaction to the bite