What does a tick on a cat look? - briefly
Ticks are tiny, oval, dark‑brown or gray parasites that embed into a cat’s skin, commonly found around the ears, neck, and between the toes. After feeding they enlarge, becoming noticeably bigger and more rounded.
What does a tick on a cat look? - in detail
Ticks that attach to felines present a distinct set of visual cues. An unfed nymph measures roughly 1 mm in length, appears pale or light brown, and has a smooth, oval body without visible legs. An adult female, before feeding, is about 3–5 mm long, dark brown to black, and exhibits a rounded, shield‑shaped dorsal surface. After a blood meal, the female expands dramatically, reaching up to 10 mm or more, becoming balloon‑like, pale gray‑white, and markedly engorged.
Key identification points include:
- Body shape: Unfed ticks are compact and oval; engorged females are elongated and swollen.
- Color: Light brown or tan in early stages; dark brown to black in mature unfed adults; pale gray‑white when engorged.
- Size: Nymphs ~1 mm; unfed adults 3–5 mm; engorged females up to 10 mm.
- Leg visibility: Six legs on larvae, eight on nymphs and adults; legs are short and may be obscured by the body in engorged specimens.
- Location on the cat: Commonly found on the head, neck, ears, and between the toes; also in armpits, groin, and under the tail.
When a tick is attached, the mouthparts embed into the skin, forming a small, dark pit that may bleed slightly if disturbed. The surrounding area can appear reddened or inflamed, but the tick itself remains the most reliable indicator. Early detection relies on regular grooming and visual inspection, focusing on the described regions and characteristics.