How to recognize a tick on a cat? - briefly
Inspect the cat’s coat for tiny, round, darkened bumps firmly attached to the skin, especially around the head, ears, neck, and between the toes; an engorged tick appears as a raised, swollen sphere that may be partially hidden by fur. If the lesion can be pinched off with a pair of tweezers without tearing, it is likely a tick.
How to recognize a tick on a cat? - in detail
Ticks are external parasites that can attach to a cat’s skin and feed on blood. Detecting them early reduces the risk of disease transmission.
A tick appears as a small, oval‑shaped arthropod. Unengorged specimens measure 2–5 mm, are light brown or gray, and have a raised back shield. After feeding, the body enlarges, becomes darker, and may appear swollen or balloon‑like.
Typical attachment sites include the base of the ears, neck, under the forelimbs, groin, and tail base. These areas are warm, protected, and often overlooked during casual grooming.
Visible signs consist of:
- A distinct, raised bump on the skin, sometimes with a dark central spot where the mouthparts penetrate.
- Localized redness or a small area of inflammation.
- A clear outline of the tick’s body through the fur.
Behavioral indicators may involve:
- Increased scratching or licking of specific regions.
- Persistent grooming that focuses on one area.
- Restlessness or irritation when the cat is handled.
A systematic examination should follow these steps:
- Position the cat in a well‑lit area, preferably on a stable surface.
- Part the fur with a fine‑tooth comb, moving from the head toward the tail.
- Use a magnifying glass to scan the skin for raised lesions or embedded parasites.
- Pay special attention to the previously listed attachment sites.
- If a tick is found, note its size and engorgement stage before removal.
Removal procedure:
- Prepare fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding the body.
- Apply steady, upward pressure to extract the entire organism without crushing it.
- Disinfect the bite area with a mild antiseptic.
- Store the tick in a sealed container with alcohol for possible identification.
Preventive measures:
- Apply veterinarian‑approved tick collars or topical treatments.
- Keep the indoor environment free of rodent infestations and vegetation that harbor ticks.
- Conduct weekly full‑body checks, especially after outdoor exposure.
Regular inspection and prompt removal are essential for maintaining feline health and preventing tick‑borne illnesses.