What does a tick look like in a cat’s skin? - briefly
A tick attached to a cat looks like a small, round, dark brown or gray lump that is slightly raised, with its mouthparts sunk into the skin and the body often swelling after feeding. The surrounding area may show mild redness or a tiny puncture wound, while the parasite feels like a firm, oval nodule.
What does a tick look like in a cat’s skin? - in detail
A tick attached to a cat is a small, oval parasite that expands as it feeds. In its unfed state it measures approximately 2–5 mm in length and 1–3 mm in width, with a reddish‑brown to dark brown coloration. The body consists of a dorsal shield (scutum) that is smooth or slightly textured, and a ventral side that is softer and lighter in hue. When the tick inserts its hypostome— a barbed feeding apparatus—into the skin, a tiny puncture appears, often invisible to the naked eye but sometimes leaving a pinpoint red spot.
During engorgement the tick can double or triple in size, becoming a noticeably swollen, balloon‑like mass. The abdomen fills with blood, turning a pale gray or bluish color, while the mouthparts remain anchored beneath the surface. The surrounding skin may show a raised, firm nodule, sometimes surrounded by a thin ring of erythema. In some cases a small, dark‑colored “tick mouth” can be seen protruding from the lesion.
Key visual cues for identification:
- Size change: from a few millimeters to a visible lump (up to 10 mm) as feeding progresses.
- Shape: round to oval, becoming more rounded when engorged.
- Color shift: dark brown or black before feeding; gray‑blue, pale, or translucent after blood intake.
- Mouthpart visibility: a tiny, dark point at the center of the lesion, often hidden beneath the cat’s fur.
- Skin reaction: a firm, raised area with possible peripheral redness; sometimes a small ulceration if the tick detaches abruptly.
Differentiation from other ectoparasites: fleas are flat, jumpy, and cause scattered itching, whereas a tick creates a localized, often painless swelling. Mites produce scaly patches rather than a distinct nodule.
Recognition of these characteristics enables prompt removal and reduces the risk of disease transmission.