How can fleas be detected on a cat? - briefly
Inspect the cat’s coat and skin for small, dark moving specks, for tiny blood spots, and for flea dirt, especially along the spine, base of the tail, and under the belly. Use a fine‑toothed flea comb or a damp white cloth to capture and verify the presence of fleas or their eggs.
How can fleas be detected on a cat? - in detail
Detecting flea infestation on a feline requires systematic observation and specific tools.
Visual inspection of the coat and skin is the first step. Part the fur, especially along the spine, tail base, and belly, and look for live insects, which appear as small, dark, jumping bodies about 1–3 mm long. Examine the skin for tiny, reddish‑brown specks that may be flea feces (flea dirt).
Use a fine‑toothed flea comb to separate parasites from the fur. Run the comb through each section of the coat, wiping the teeth on a white surface after each pass. Any captured insects or black specks that turn red when moistened confirm the presence of fleas.
Observe the cat’s behavior for indirect signs: excessive scratching, biting at the tail, or frequent grooming may indicate irritation caused by bites.
Collect a sample of suspected flea dirt by gently pressing a damp paper towel against the skin. If the particles dissolve into a reddish stain, they are blood‑containing excrement, confirming infestation.
Veterinary examination provides definitive diagnosis. A professional may perform a skin scrape, microscopic analysis of flea dirt, or use a diagnostic kit that detects flea antigens.
Additional detection methods include:
- Sticky flea traps placed near the cat’s resting areas; captured insects can be identified visually.
- Environmental sampling of bedding, carpets, and upholstery using a vacuum and subsequent microscopic review.
Combining direct visual checks, combing, behavioral observation, and laboratory confirmation ensures accurate identification of flea activity on a cat.