How does a tick under a cat’s skin appear? - briefly
A tick lodged beneath a cat’s coat appears as a tiny, raised nodule with a dark central dot where its mouthparts are fixed. The adjacent skin may show mild redness or inflammation, and the tick’s body can often be seen through the surrounding fur.
How does a tick under a cat’s skin appear? - in detail
When a tick attaches to a cat, it inserts its mouthparts into the dermis and begins feeding. The parasite’s body remains on the surface, while its hypostome penetrates the skin, creating a small, often unnoticed opening. Over several hours to days, the tick expands the feeding site, causing a localized swelling that may appear as a raised, firm nodule.
Visible indicators include:
- A rounded bump, typically 2–5 mm in diameter, that may be slightly reddened.
- A central puncture or tiny hole where the tick’s mouthparts are embedded.
- Occasionally, a thin, translucent “halo” surrounding the nodule, produced by fluid accumulation.
- If the tick is engorged, the bump can enlarge to 1 cm or more, sometimes resembling a small cyst.
Internal reactions may manifest as:
- Localized inflammation, characterized by heat and tenderness.
- Mild to moderate pain when the area is palpated.
- Possible secondary infection, evidenced by pus, increased redness, or foul odor.
Veterinarians diagnose the condition by:
- Inspecting the skin for the characteristic puncture and surrounding edema.
- Using a fine‑pointed instrument to gently lift the tick’s body for identification.
- Performing a dermal scrape or biopsy if infection is suspected.
Treatment protocol typically involves:
- Carefully removing the tick with tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool, ensuring the mouthparts are extracted completely.
- Cleaning the site with antiseptic solution to reduce bacterial contamination.
- Administering a short course of antibiotics if secondary infection is present.
- Monitoring the cat for signs of systemic illness, such as fever or lethargy, which may indicate pathogen transmission.
Prompt removal and proper wound care prevent complications and facilitate rapid healing.