How does a tick bite look on a cat? - briefly
A tick bite on a cat appears as a small, dark, raised spot, often with the engorged tick still attached and a faint ring of redness or swelling around it. If the parasite detaches, the area may turn into a tiny ulcer or scab that typically heals within a few days.
How does a tick bite look on a cat? - in detail
A tick bite on a cat appears as a small, often circular lesion where the parasite’s mouthparts have penetrated the skin. The central point is usually a dark, raised puncture about 1–2 mm in diameter, sometimes resembling a tiny black dot. Surrounding this core, the tissue may be reddened or slightly inflamed, forming a halo that can range from faint pink to deeper crimson depending on the cat’s immune response.
When the tick begins to feed, the surrounding skin can swell, creating a raised bump that feels firm to the touch. In the early stage, the lesion is typically painless and the cat shows no discomfort. As the tick expands, the bite may become more pronounced: the skin around the attachment can thicken, develop a glossy sheen, or display a small amount of exudate if irritation occurs.
Engorged ticks leave a larger, more noticeable mark. The puncture may be surrounded by a broader area of edema, sometimes up to a centimeter across, with a visible, slightly raised edge. The center can become a tiny ulcer if the mouthparts are removed improperly, leaving a shallow crater that may bleed slightly.
Common secondary signs include:
- Localized itching or scratching.
- Hair loss around the bite site due to repeated grooming.
- Crusting or scabbing if the area becomes irritated.
- Presence of a visible tick attached to the skin, often near the bite’s perimeter.
If infection sets in, the lesion may turn purulent, emit a foul odor, or develop a yellowish discharge. The surrounding tissue can become markedly warmer and more painful, indicating bacterial involvement.
Veterinarians recommend inspecting common attachment zones—ears, neck, head, armpits, and between the toes—after outdoor exposure. Prompt removal of the tick, followed by cleaning the bite area with a mild antiseptic, reduces the risk of disease transmission and minimizes tissue reaction. Monitoring the site for several days ensures that any abnormal swelling, persistent redness, or discharge is addressed promptly.