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425289 tn?1207234724

Tiny Red Bug On Cat

I was recently petting my cat and noticed a tiny red bug moving in its fur.  It was very tiny, probably about 1 mm long, and looked like a very tiny beetle.  Recently, she ran outside (we don't let her do this normally) and before we could get her, she went into this tiny well-like drainage system at the end of our driveway.  She stayed in there for a bit before we finally got her as she was coming out, but she was very dirty afterwards and we gave her a big bath to make sure she didn't get fleas/ticks.  Anyway, I am wondering could this be ticks or fleas?  I'm very new to having a pet, and I'm not really sure what I should do.  Should I take her to the vet, or is there some other thing I can do?

Your advice is appreciated! :)
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228686 tn?1211554707
No worries.  just keep in mind that those baths are concentrated pesticide and you should give some time, usually weeks, before doing it again.  Follow the instructions on the label.  If you do it too soon it can have really serious detrimental effects on her nervous system, among other things.

Those baths are supposed to repel and/or kill ticks for weeks afterwards.  It can take a little time to drop off, which is why you probably saw it, but it should be long gone.
Helpful - 0
425289 tn?1207234724
Thanks! I have been looking around her fur, haven't seen anything.  I think I'll give her another bath just to make sure nothing is there (she's going to hate me for this!! haha).

I never let her go out, but she always finds a way to sneak out.  I'll open the door and she tries to get outside if I'm not looking at her.  She just loves the outdoors, but it's too risky to let her go out (she always gets herself into trouble!).
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228686 tn?1211554707
I didn't think of that. We do get reddish colored ticks here in NYS, although they're usually described as flat or tab like. But yes, there are other bugs in the world, and they do like fur. :)
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Avatar universal
Oops...meant to type Red Velvet Mite
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I don;'t think it is a tick.  Ticks aren't usually red.  What I think it is is a rec velvet mite.  I have seen these in my garden and  they live outside in gardens, wooded areas, etc.  They are VERY small, whereas a tick is larger.  If your cat goes outside, there is the chance of picking them up.  They are not harmful that I know of, just you don;'t want them setting up house and raising a family in your cat's fur.  Best to leave the cat indoors if you ask me.  Much safer for many reasons. Here is a link.  
http://chicagowildernessmag.org/issues/fall2004/mite.html  
Helpful - 0
228686 tn?1211554707
It's probably a tick. I'd try to locate it again. If you do find it, don't try to pull it off. The heads tend to break off and cause infection from being lodged under the skin.

You may want to try  collar or drops temporarily. I have used Vaseline on ticks successfully (it suffocates them. You can scrape them off) but it's hard with a pet due to the fur.
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