What does a tick look like on a cat's ear? - briefly
A tick presents as a tiny, oval, dark‑brown or grayish bump attached to the cat’s ear, often slightly raised with a smooth, dome‑shaped body that enlarges after feeding. The surrounding fur may appear flattened, and the parasite’s legs are visible as minute, pale protrusions near its edges.
What does a tick look like on a cat's ear? - in detail
Ticks that attach to a cat’s ear present a distinctive set of visual cues. The parasite’s body is oval, flattened laterally, and measures roughly 3–5 mm in length when unfed; engorged individuals may expand to 10–12 mm. The dorsal surface is typically brown to reddish‑brown, sometimes with a mottled pattern that blends with the cat’s fur. The ventral side, visible only after removal, is lighter, often pale‑yellow.
The head region, called the capitulum, protrudes slightly from the body and bears three pairs of legs in the larval stage and four pairs in nymphs and adults. Legs are thin, jointed, and may appear as tiny, dark hairs near the attachment point. The mouthparts—chelicerae and a barbed hypostome—anchor deep into the skin, creating a small, circular depression surrounded by a pale halo. This halo results from localized swelling and may be surrounded by a thin line of erythema.
Engorged ticks often appear swollen and more translucent, with a glossy sheen that distinguishes them from surrounding hair. In the early attachment phase, the tick’s body remains flat and the color is darker, matching the cat’s ear fur. As feeding progresses, the abdomen enlarges, the cuticle stretches, and the coloration lightens.
Key visual indicators include:
- Small, rounded body attached near the base of the ear or on the inner pinna.
- Dark, elongated legs extending from the sides of the body.
- Visible mouthparts or a tiny black tip protruding from the skin.
- A raised, circular area of skin with a lighter rim.
Differentiation from fleas or mites is straightforward: fleas are jumpers, move quickly, and lack a hard, engorged body; mites are microscopic and do not create a noticeable swelling.
Recognition of these characteristics enables prompt removal and reduces the risk of disease transmission.