A cat tick typically appears brown or grey when attached to your cat's skin.
When observed on a cat, a tick often looks like a small, brown or grey colored bump. The exact shade and size of the tick can vary considerably, primarily depending on how engorged (full of blood) it is. An unfed tick will be flatter and smaller, often resembling a tiny seed, while a fully engorged tick can swell to the size of a grape, becoming rounder and appearing greyish or even bluish.
Understanding Tick Appearance and Identification
Beyond its primary color, there are other visual cues to help identify a tick on your cat. The area around the tick may become red and/or swollen, indicating irritation or an inflammatory response to the bite. Upon closer inspection, you may also be able to discern the tick's eight legs along the sides of its body, especially if it is not completely engorged.
Different types of ticks can infest cats, each with slightly varied appearances when unfed. Knowing these distinctions can help in identification, though removal is the immediate priority regardless of the species.
Common Tick Species and Their Appearance
While the general appearance of an engorged tick is often greyish-brown, various tick species have distinct colors and markings when they are unfed.
| Tick Type | Typical Color (Unfed) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| American Dog Tick | Brown with white/silver markings | Larger tick, found in grassy areas; often target dogs, but can infest cats. |
| Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick) | Reddish-brown to black | Smaller, known for transmitting Lyme disease. |
| Brown Dog Tick | Reddish-brown | Can complete its entire life cycle indoors; commonly found in kennels and homes. |
| Lone Star Tick | Reddish-brown with a white spot (female) | Aggressive biters, common in the southeastern U.S.; females have a distinct white dot. |
For detailed identification of specific tick types, the CDC offers comprehensive guides on ticks.
What to Do if You Find a Tick on Your Cat
Discovering a tick on your cat requires prompt and careful removal.
- Safe Removal: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain embedded.
- Clean the Area: After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water to prevent infection.
- Monitor Your Cat: Watch for any signs of illness in your cat, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, limping, or localized skin reactions at the bite site. If symptoms appear, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Tick Prevention: Discuss tick prevention products with your veterinarian. Options include topical spot-on treatments, collars, or oral medications that can effectively protect your cat from future infestations. Regularly check your cat for ticks, especially after they have spent time outdoors. More information on tick removal can be found from reputable sources like the ASPCA.
