How to identify a tick on a cat? - briefly
Examine the cat’s skin—particularly the ears, neck, and toe folds—for a tiny, oval, dark brown or gray lump that may appear swollen after a blood meal. The parasite is firmly attached, often showing a small mouthpart protruding from the surface.
How to identify a tick on a cat? - in detail
Ticks on felines are small, blood‑feeding arachnids that attach to the skin for several days. Recognizing them early prevents disease transmission and skin irritation.
The adult tick measures 3–5 mm when unfed and expands to 10 mm or more after feeding. Its body consists of a rounded anterior capitulum (mouthparts) and a posterior dorsum covered with scutum, a hard shield present only on males and partially on females. Color ranges from reddish‑brown to grayish‑black, often matching the cat’s coat, which makes visual detection challenging.
Typical attachment sites include:
- Base of the skull, especially around the ears
- Neck and shoulders
- Between the shoulder blades
- Around the tail base
- Inner thighs and groin
To locate a tick, conduct a systematic inspection:
- Light the area with a flashlight or a lamp to highlight shadows.
- Part the fur using a wide‑tooth comb, moving from the skin outward.
- Examine the skin for a raised, dome‑shaped bump or a small, attached object resembling a seed.
- Feel for a firm, slightly raised area that does not move freely when the fur is tugged.
When a tick is found, note its stage:
- Larva: ≈0.5 mm, translucent, six legs.
- Nymph: 1–2 mm, brown, eight legs, may be partially engorged.
- Adult: 3–5 mm unfed, larger after feeding, eight legs, visible scutum.
Removal procedure:
- Use fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding the mouthparts.
- Apply steady, downward pressure to extract the whole organism without crushing it.
- Disinfect the bite site with a mild antiseptic.
- Store the tick in a sealed container with alcohol for possible identification or veterinary analysis.
After removal, monitor the cat for:
- Redness, swelling, or discharge at the bite site.
- Behavioral changes such as lethargy or loss of appetite.
- Signs of tick‑borne illness (fever, joint pain, vomiting) within two weeks.
Preventive measures include:
- Monthly topical or oral acaricide treatments prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Regular grooming and inspection, especially after outdoor excursions.
- Maintaining a clean environment: removing leaf litter, tall grass, and rodent habitats from the yard.
Accurate identification and prompt extraction of ticks are essential components of feline health care.