How can I detect fleas on a cat? - briefly
Inspect the cat’s coat closely, especially the base of the tail and belly, using a fine-toothed comb to catch any moving insects or tiny dark specks of flea feces. Also feel for itching or excessive scratching, which commonly signals an infestation.
How can I detect fleas on a cat? - in detail
Detecting fleas on a cat requires systematic visual inspection, tactile assessment, and environmental sampling.
Begin with a thorough examination of the coat. Part the fur with a fine-toothed comb, starting at the head and moving toward the tail. Flea dirt—tiny black specks resembling pepper—appears when adult insects are crushed. Transfer any specks onto a white surface and add a few drops of water; a reddish stain confirms the presence of digested blood.
Inspect common infestation sites: the neck, behind the ears, along the spine, at the base of the tail, and the inner thighs. Fleas favor warm, protected areas. Look for live insects, which are dark, laterally flattened, and approximately 2–4 mm long. If the cat’s fur is dense, use a flea comb designed with tightly spaced teeth to increase capture efficiency.
Conduct a tactile check by gently running fingers over the skin. The sensation of a moving flea or a sudden bite reaction indicates active infestation. Some cats react with localized scratching or a brief, sharp bite sensation.
Employ a flotation technique for environmental verification. Collect a small sample of the cat’s bedding, carpet fibers, or floor dust. Suspend the material in a glass of warm water; fleas and eggs will rise to the surface. Examine the water’s upper layer with a magnifying lens.
If visual and tactile methods yield ambiguous results, consider a flea‑specific diagnostic product such as a flea trap containing a light source and adhesive surface. Position the trap near the cat’s resting area for several hours; captured insects confirm infestation.
Document findings with photographs or notes, noting the number of fleas, their life stages (larvae, pupae, adults), and any associated skin lesions. This record guides treatment selection and helps evaluate the effectiveness of subsequent control measures.