What does a tick look like in a cat’s ear? - briefly
A tick in a cat’s ear appears as a tiny, oval, dark‑brown to reddish parasite, flattened before feeding and becoming a swollen, reddish‑black engorged body after a blood meal. It is typically attached near the ear canal opening, sometimes partially concealed by fur or earwax.
What does a tick look like in a cat’s ear? - in detail
A tick attached inside a feline’s ear presents as a small, oval parasite that can be difficult to see without close inspection. In its unfed state, the organism measures roughly 2‑3 mm in length, has a pale, leathery dorsal surface, and displays six legs arranged in three pairs. The body is slightly flattened, allowing it to wedge into the narrow contours of the ear canal.
When a tick begins feeding, its abdomen expands dramatically. An engorged specimen may reach 5‑10 mm, appearing swollen, rounded, and often a deep reddish‑brown or grayish hue as blood fills its interior. The mouthparts, including the hypostome, protrude from the skin surface and may be visible as a tiny, dark, hooked structure at the base of the tick’s body.
Key visual indicators include:
- Size change – noticeable increase from a few millimeters to a markedly larger, balloon‑like form.
- Color shift – transition from light tan or brown to a darker, blood‑filled tone.
- Shape alteration – abdomen becomes rounder and more pronounced, while the dorsal shield remains relatively flat.
- Movement – a live tick may wiggle or shift when the cat scratches or shakes its head.
- Presence of a small opening – the attachment point may show a tiny puncture or a thin line of skin irritation.
The ear’s interior environment can conceal the parasite, especially if the cat’s fur is dense. A thorough visual examination often requires gently parting the hair and using a bright light or magnifying glass. In some cases, the tick may be partially hidden behind earwax, which appears as a brownish, waxy substance coating the canal walls.
If the tick is identified, it should be removed with fine‑tipped tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool, grasping the organism as close to the skin as possible to avoid crushing the body. Prompt removal reduces the risk of disease transmission and minimizes tissue irritation.