How can fleas be found on a cat? - briefly
Inspect the cat’s coat by parting the fur and looking for live insects, dark specks of feces, or irritated skin, and run a fine‑toothed flea comb through the hair to collect any specimens. A veterinarian‑approved flea dip or adhesive tape test can confirm an infestation when visual signs are inconclusive.
How can fleas be found on a cat? - in detail
Detecting fleas on a cat requires a systematic visual and tactile examination. Begin by isolating the animal in a well‑lit area, preferably on a white sheet or towel that will reveal any fallen insects. Use a fine‑toothed flea comb, pulling it through the fur from the head toward the tail in slow, steady strokes. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white surface; live fleas appear as dark, jumping specks, while dead specimens or eggs remain as tiny, white or tan particles.
Inspect common infestation sites:
- Neck and behind the ears: skin is thinner, providing easy access for parasites.
- Base of the tail: a hotspot for adult fleas and larvae.
- Abdomen and groin folds: warm, moist environments favor development.
- Chest and under the front legs: areas often missed during casual grooming.
During the combing process, feel for:
- Small, moving dots that jump when disturbed, indicating adult fleas.
- Dark specks that do not move, likely flea feces (digested blood) known as “flea dirt.”
- Tiny, white, oval bodies, which are eggs or larvae.
To confirm flea dirt, collect a few specks on a damp white paper and add a few drops of water. If the spot turns reddish, it contains digested blood, confirming the presence of fleas.
If visual inspection yields no insects but the cat exhibits persistent scratching, consider a microscopic examination of a hair sample or a veterinary skin scrape. These methods can reveal early life stages invisible to the naked eye.
Finally, document findings (number of fleas, locations, presence of eggs or feces) to guide appropriate treatment and monitor effectiveness after intervention.