What does a tick look like in a cat? - briefly
Ticks are tiny, oval, dark brown to gray parasites that attach to a cat’s skin, commonly near the head, ears, or between the toes. After feeding they swell and look like a small, raised, reddish‑brown balloon.
What does a tick look like in a cat? - in detail
A tick attached to a cat is a small, oval arachnid that expands as it feeds. In its unfed state it measures 2–5 mm in length, 1–3 mm in width, and appears pale gray or brown. The body consists of a flattened dorsal shield (scutum) and a rounded ventral side. Six legs are visible on the anterior half; the posterior half bears the mouthparts (capitulum) used for penetration.
During feeding the tick’s abdomen swells dramatically, reaching 8–12 mm or more, becoming spherical and bluish‑gray. The engorged form may appear as a smooth, balloon‑like mass adhered to the skin. The head and legs remain visible, often protruding from the surrounding fur.
Typical attachment sites include the head, ears, neck, between the shoulder blades, and the base of the tail—areas with thinner fur or skin folds. The tick’s mouthparts embed deeply, making removal without crushing essential.
Key visual cues:
- Size: 2–5 mm (unfed), up to 12 mm (engorged).
- Shape: Oval, flattening to a rounded, balloon‑like silhouette when full.
- Color: Pale gray, brown, or bluish‑gray when engorged.
- Surface texture: Smooth dorsal shield, visible legs on the front half.
- Location: Head, ears, neck, shoulders, tail base.
- Movement: Generally stationary once attached; may shift slightly while feeding.
Recognizing these characteristics enables prompt identification and safe removal, reducing the risk of disease transmission.