It is true that cats and kittens are more resistant to ticks than dogs are but, it is still possible for your pet to play host to ticks. While ticks may not cause worrying illnesses such as tick paralysis in cats, they can still make your pet seriously ill, and potentially kill them.

Ticks can cause diseases in cats such as hemobartonellosis, cytauxzoonosis, ehrlichiosis, babeseosis, and tularemia. Severe anemia, fever, lethargy, lymph node enlargement, abscess formation, a lack of appetite, weight loss, and breathing difficulties are among the problems these diseases can cause. At its most severe, it can also be fatal.

Topical treatments or collars tend to be the preferred method of tick treatment for cats and kittens since it is notoriously difficult to make them swallow pills. The product you choose to kill the ticks on your cat or kitten will depend largely on their weight and age.

When using topical treatments to get rid of ticks on cats and kittens, be sure to apply the medication on the spot between their shoulder blades on the skin. This will prevent them from licking the treatment. Allow the product to fully dry before letting your cat get wet, and before you let young children or other pets near them.

Bear in mind that the most effective way to fight a tick infestation is to get rid of ticks in the house and yard at the same time.

Getting rid of ticks on kittens younger than 6 weeks of age

Tick treatments generally have a minimum age limit of at least 4 weeks and specify your pet must weigh at least 1.5 pounds.

Bring younger cats or kittens to the veterinarian or do a visual and tactile inspection on your pet, manually removing any ticks that you see.

Getting rid of ticks on kittens 6 weeks of age or older

Revolution for cats is a very popular and effective topical treatment for kittens over 6 weeks of age and weighing at least 5.5 pounds. Revolution not only gets rid of ticks, it gets rid of fleas, eggs, and larvae, as well as newly emerged fleas before they can lay eggs.

Getting rid of ticks on kittens 8 weeks of age or older

If your kitten is at least 8 weeks old and weighs at least 1.5 pounds, you can consider using Frontline Plus. Frontline Plus for cats kill ticks and fleas, and offers your kitten protection from ticks for 30 days, and is designed to be used once a month.

If your kitten is at least 10 weeks of age, you can also use the Seresto collar not only to kill ticks (and fleas) on your cat but also provide safe and long-lasting tick protection (8 months) for your pet.

Getting rid of ticks on cats and kittens 6 months of age or older

For cats and kittens over 6 months of age and weighing at least 2.6 pounds, Bravecto is the perfect tick treatment product. Bravecto topical kills ticks, and also fleas, eggs, and larvae, and provide up to 12 weeks of protection against new infestations.

Choosing the best product for your pet

Any of the leading market products will be safe and effective to use on your cat or kitten. The choice will largely depend on your pet’s age and weight, as well as your own personal preference.

Whatever your choice, however, be sure to use it as directed, and regularly, to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Revolution

Frontline Plus

Seresto