How does a tick embed itself in a cat? - briefly
A tick latches onto a cat by piercing the epidermis with its hypostome and secreting a cement‑like saliva that hardens to anchor it. It then expands its body while drawing blood through the secured mouthparts.
How does a tick embed itself in a cat? - in detail
Ticks locate a cat by sensing heat, carbon‑dioxide, and movement. When a suitable host passes, the tick climbs onto the fur, typically in areas with thin skin such as the neck, ear base, or between the toes. The attachment process proceeds through several distinct phases.
- Questing and climbing: The tick raises its front legs, detects the host’s cues, and climbs the hair shafts toward the skin surface.
- Grasping: Using its pedipalps, the tick secures a firm hold on the fur and positions its mouthparts over the epidermis.
- Insertion of chelicerae: The tick’s chelicerae cut through the outer skin layer, creating a small incision.
- Penetration of the hypostome: The hypostome, a barbed structure, is driven into the dermis. Barbs prevent backward movement, anchoring the tick.
- Secretion of cement: Salivary glands release a proteinaceous cement that hardens around the hypostome, sealing the attachment site and reducing host detection.
- Feeding initiation: The tick injects saliva containing anticoagulants, immunomodulators, and anti‑inflammatory agents, allowing uninterrupted blood ingestion.
During feeding, the tick expands its body as it ingests plasma and erythrocytes. The cemented attachment can persist for several days, after which the tick detaches by releasing the cement and withdrawing the hypostome. The entire sequence enables the parasite to remain securely embedded in the cat’s skin while extracting nutrients.