What does an attached tick look like on a cat? - briefly
An attached tick presents as a small, oval, dark‑brown to grayish bump firmly embedded in the cat’s skin, with its mouthparts visible and the body often slightly engorged with blood. The surrounding fur may be displaced, and the tick remains tightly attached until removed with appropriate tools.
What does an attached tick look like on a cat? - in detail
A tick that has attached itself to a cat presents a distinct set of visual characteristics that change as the parasite feeds. The initial stage, shortly after attachment, shows a small, oval‑shaped organism measuring about 1–2 mm in length. Its dorsal surface is smooth, with a light brown to reddish‑orange hue. The anterior edge bears a pair of visible mouthparts (the hypostome) that may appear as a tiny protrusion beneath the cat’s skin.
As the tick engorges, its body expands dramatically, often reaching 5–10 mm or more in length. The engorged form becomes markedly swollen, taking on a balloon‑like appearance. Color shifts toward a darker, more pronounced reddish or deep brown, sometimes with a glossy sheen. The scutum (the hard shield covering the dorsal side of unfed ticks) remains visible only on female ticks; in males it may be reduced or absent, giving the whole surface a more uniform texture.
Key visual cues include:
- Size increase: rapid expansion within 24–48 hours of attachment.
- Body shape: from flattened, oval to rounded and bulging.
- Color change: light brown → darker red/brown as blood fills the body.
- Mouthparts: visible at the attachment point, often appearing as a small, dark pinhole.
- Legs: six legs are visible on the ventral side; dorsal legs may be obscured by the engorged abdomen.
- Attachment site: typically near the base of the skull, ears, neck, or between the toes, where the skin is thin.
The surrounding skin may exhibit a small, raised bump or a ring of erythema. In some cases, a tiny, dark spot marks the exact attachment point, corresponding to the tick’s feeding canal. If the tick is removed early, the bump may subside quickly; prolonged attachment can lead to a larger, inflamed area with possible secondary infection.
Recognizing these features enables prompt identification and removal, reducing the risk of disease transmission and tissue damage.