What does a tick bite look like on a cat's body? - briefly
A tick bite shows as a tiny, raised, reddish or pink spot with a central puncture, sometimes surrounded by mild swelling or a scab. If the parasite is still attached, a dark, engorged tick may be visible at the center of the lesion.
What does a tick bite look like on a cat's body? - in detail
A tick attachment typically appears as a small, raised mound on the cat’s skin. The base may be a pinpoint to a few millimeters in diameter, often surrounded by a reddened halo. When the parasite is partially fed, the surrounding area can become slightly swollen and may exhibit a pale or pink coloration compared to the surrounding fur.
If the tick is engorged, the lesion enlarges. The swollen spot can reach up to one centimeter, with a darkened center where the tick’s mouthparts are embedded. The tick’s body may be visible through the fur, appearing as a dark, oval or rounded object attached firmly to the skin. The surrounding fur may be flattened or missing in a small circle around the attachment point.
Common locations include:
- Head and neck, especially behind the ears
- Axillary (armpit) region
- Groin and tail base
- Between the toes and on the pads
Secondary signs may develop:
- Localized itching or scratching
- Minor bleeding when the tick is removed
- Crusting or scabbing if the bite becomes infected
- Presence of a tiny puncture wound at the center of the raised area
Observation of the tick’s removal site is essential. After extraction, the spot often remains a faint, pinkish bump that resolves within a few days if no infection occurs. Persistent redness, swelling, or discharge indicates a possible bacterial complication and warrants veterinary evaluation.