How does a tick look on a cat's fur? - briefly
A tick appears as a small, round or oval, dark brown to reddish parasite attached to the cat’s coat, often near the head, neck, or between the toes. It may be partially hidden by fur, with its body visible as a raised bump and its legs protruding from the sides.
How does a tick look on a cat's fur? - in detail
Ticks attached to a cat’s coat present as small, rounded bodies that may be difficult to see against the fur until they begin to feed. An unfed tick measures 2–5 mm in length, with a dark brown or reddish‑brown exoskeleton and a smooth, oval shape. Its legs are visible as tiny, pale, eight‑spoked extensions near the dorsal surface. When a tick inserts its mouthparts, the surrounding skin may appear slightly raised, creating a small, raised bump.
During feeding, the parasite expands dramatically. Engorged individuals can reach 10–12 mm in length, become balloon‑shaped, and change color to a lighter gray or tan. The abdomen swells with blood, making the tick appear more translucent. The legs often curve backward, and the body may appear softer than the hard, unengorged form.
Typical locations on a cat include:
- Behind the ears
- Under the neck collar area
- Along the spine, especially near the base of the tail
- Between the forelimbs and the chest
- Around the groin and inner hind legs
Visual cues that indicate a tick’s presence:
- A small, firm nodule that does not move when the fur is brushed
- A dark spot that may be partially hidden by hair
- Slight redness or irritation surrounding the attachment point
- A change in fur texture, becoming smoother where the tick is embedded
To confirm identification, gently part the fur and examine the creature from the dorsal side. An unfed tick shows a distinct scutum (shield) on the back, while an engorged specimen lacks a visible scutum due to abdominal expansion. The mouthparts, called chelicerae, protrude at the front and may be observed as a tiny, dark point penetrating the skin.