Ticks in the outdoor cat: which antiparasitic to use
4-year-old cat from a rural house in Asturias that spends the day outdoors and often comes back with ticks on its head and neck. There is also a dog in the household.
Which option is appropriate to prevent ticks in this cat?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. A flumethrin and imidacloprid collar or an isoxazoline licensed for cats
Correct. Both are licensed in cats and are effective against ticks. Choose according to lifestyle and ease of administration; for collars, use one with a safety release.
B. The dog's deltamethrin collar, which also protects against sandflies
Deltamethrin collars are contraindicated in cats: like permethrin, this pyrethroid can cause tremors and seizures because cats metabolise it poorly.
C. An amitraz collar
Amitraz is toxic to cats (alpha-2 agonist effect: sedation, bradycardia, hypothermia, hyperglycaemia) and must not be used in this species.
D. No prevention is needed: the cat grooms ticks off and they do not transmit pathogens to it
Grooming does not prevent infestations, especially on the head and neck. Ticks also bite cats and can transmit pathogens to them (for example Cytauxzoon or Anaplasma), as well as bringing ticks into the home.
lightbulb Key takeaway
Before prescribing an antiparasitic for a cat, check it is licensed in this species: permethrin, deltamethrin and amitraz are toxic. In households with a dog and a cat, also remember the risk of close contact with a dog treated with these products.
Test yourself with 10 random questions
Parasitic diseases · 100 questions, a different test every time
Related questions
Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.