What are the signs that a cat has a tick? - briefly
A small, round, dark or brown bump attached to the skin—commonly near the ears, neck, or between the toes—indicates a tick. Additional signs include localized redness or swelling, excessive scratching, hair loss, or a scab covering the parasite.
What are the signs that a cat has a tick? - in detail
Ticks on felines are usually detectable through visual inspection and behavioral clues. The most reliable indicator is the presence of a small, dark, oval-shaped parasite attached to the skin. Ticks may be embedded in areas with less fur, such as the ears, neck, under the chin, between the toes, and around the base of the tail. They can range from a few millimeters to a centimeter when engorged, and their bodies often appear swollen after feeding.
Additional signs include:
- Localized redness or a small, raised bump where the tick has pierced the skin.
- Excessive scratching or grooming focused on a particular spot.
- Hair loss or thinning around the attachment site.
- Swelling of nearby lymph nodes, which may feel enlarged under the jaw or near the hind legs.
- Unexplained lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever, which can suggest systemic involvement.
When a tick is found, it should be removed promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping the mouthparts close to the skin and pulling straight upward to avoid leaving fragments. After removal, clean the area with antiseptic and monitor the cat for any lingering irritation or signs of infection. Regular checks, especially after outdoor exposure, are essential to prevent tick-borne diseases.