What signs indicate that a cat has a tick? - briefly
A tiny, dark, swollen bump attached to the skin—commonly on the head, ears, or neck—signals a «tick». Additional indicators are localized redness, a raised lesion, or excessive scratching at the attachment site.
What signs indicate that a cat has a tick? - in detail
Ticks attach to a cat’s skin and remain hidden under fur, yet several observable cues reveal their presence.
A small, rounded bump may appear on the animal’s body. The bump often resembles a pea‑sized lump and can be felt as a firm nodule when the coat is gently parted.
A dark spot at the base of the bump indicates the engorged abdomen of an adult tick. The spot may be brown, black, or reddish, depending on the species and feeding stage.
Excessive scratching, grooming, or biting of a specific area suggests irritation caused by the parasite’s mouthparts. Localized hair loss or thinning may develop where the tick is attached.
Redness, swelling, or a raised rash surrounding the attachment site signals inflammatory reaction. In some cases, a small ulcer or scab forms if the cat removes the tick incompletely.
Visible movement of the parasite can be seen if the fur is lifted, especially on the head, ears, neck, or between the toes.
Blood‑tinged saliva may be observed on the cat’s fur or skin near the attachment point, indicating feeding.
If the cat’s overall condition declines—loss of appetite, lethargy, or fever—these systemic signs may be secondary to tick‑borne diseases.
Key indicators to monitor
- Small, firm nodule under the coat
- Darkened abdomen at the nodule’s base
- Localized itching, grooming, or hair loss
- Redness, swelling, or ulceration around the site
- Visible tick movement when fur is part‑ed
- Traces of blood‑stained saliva near the attachment
- General health changes such as reduced appetite or lethargy
Prompt examination of the cat’s skin, especially in hidden regions like the armpits, groin, and between the toes, assists in early detection and removal of ticks, reducing the risk of disease transmission.