Check out some similar questions!

Pebbles1380 · Apr 20, 2012, 02:11 PM

Hi. I keep finding these bugs or insects on my outdoor male cat and I can't figure out what they are. They're round or slightly oval, about the size of a pea. They are like a very dark green color, and they kind of look like a bead. One side had I think 4 pincer like legs that burrow itself into the skin. I've been pulling them out whenever I see them. I usually find the around his neck, in whiskers, or upper body. I have to tug a little to pull them out. They seem to be bothering him and he can't get them out himself because of me having to tug a little bit because they burrow they're legs/pincers into and under the skin, but the round body part of the bug is outside the skin. I live in New York and I've seen these bugs on him within the past month or so. The weather has been above average with barely any snow during this time. I haven't been able to find anything online so far that looks or sounds like it. Please help. They seem harmful to him, but I'm not totally sure. Thank you.

aliseaodo · Apr 20, 2012, 02:25 PM

Sounds like ticks - I would get him in to a vet ASAP

LadySam · Apr 20, 2012, 02:30 PM

fat tick photo - ShutterPoint Photography

Does this look what you are seeing?

Frontline kills ticks as well as fleas. If this is what you are seeing it would be a good investment.

LadySam · Apr 20, 2012, 02:43 PM

One more quick note, many people make the mistake of going to the store and picking up the cheaper products for tick and fleas.
This is not recommended since, 1)they don't work as well and 2) Cats are sensitive creatures and many have had toxic reactions to the chemicals in these products.
When it comes to the health of your pet you don't need to skimp and try to save a few dollars, in the end it could cost you much more.
Frontline can now be purchased at pet stores and large chain stores instead of having to buy it at the Vets' office.
There is also a product out there that boasts the same ingredients as Frontline.
Only one ingredient is the same, the actual parasitic that kills the ticks and fleas.
However; the carrier or the other ingredient that allows the killing ingredient to absorb and travel throughout the surface of the skin that it needs to is different, making it much less effective.
Sorry so long, just had to add.

aliseaodo · Apr 20, 2012, 02:49 PM

I'll add again - take your cat to the vet - trying to remove the ticks yourself is not a good idea - the head of the tick (if it IS a tick) can become detached and remain lodged in the flesh of the animal if it is not removed correctly... not worth it to do it yourself... (the poor Lady on my avatar has had her share of ticks... they're no fun!)

LadySam · Apr 20, 2012, 03:04 PM

Aliseado is correct, you should not try removing the ticks yourself.
And by all means if you can afford the price of an office visit to have a tick removed then go, call ahead and ask. A tick product that is applied properly will control the ticks for a month and the ticks that are present now will release and fall away.
I agree, no fun at all if it is in fact a ticks that you see.