What does a tick attached to a cat look like? - briefly
A tick attached to a cat appears as a tiny, round, swollen spot, usually brown or black, often slightly raised and resembling a small speck of dirt on the fur. The body may be engorged and visible through the hair, with the legs protruding near the skin.
What does a tick attached to a cat look like? - in detail
A tick affixed to a feline presents as a small, rounded arachnid that expands as it feeds. In its unfed stage, the parasite measures 2–5 mm in length, has a flat, oval body, and displays a reddish‑brown to gray‑black hue. The front pair of legs are longer than the rear pair and are positioned forward, giving the tick a “head” appearance. The back legs are shorter and often tucked against the body.
When a tick begins to ingest blood, its abdomen swells dramatically. Engorged specimens can reach 8–12 mm, become noticeably balloon‑shaped, and turn a deep gray or purplish color. The body surface appears glossy, and the tick may appear semi‑transparent, allowing the cat’s skin tone to be faintly visible through the abdomen.
Typical attachment sites on a cat include:
- Base of the skull, especially around the ears
- Neck and shoulder region
- Between the forelimbs, near the armpits
- Tail base and ventral abdomen
These locations are favored because the cat’s fur provides concealment and the skin is relatively thin, facilitating easier penetration.
Key visual cues of a tick on a cat:
- Small, raised bump resembling a pinhead or larger, depending on engorgement.
- Dark, oval shape that may blend with fur but is often detectable by a slight depression or raised area.
- Presence of a tiny, pale mouthpart (the hypostome) protruding from the skin surface.
- Possible redness or mild swelling around the attachment point, indicating irritation.
Recognizing these characteristics enables prompt removal and reduces the risk of disease transmission.