How can I tell if a cat has fleas? - briefly
Look for frequent scratching, small dark specks (flea dirt) in the fur, and reddened or irritated skin, especially around the neck, base of the tail, and belly. A close visual inspection of the coat can reveal live fleas or flea debris that, when wetted, turns reddish, confirming an infestation.
How can I tell if a cat has fleas? - in detail
Flea presence in a cat can be confirmed through several observable signs and simple examinations.
First, inspect the animal’s coat. Look for tiny, dark specks moving quickly on the skin or fur. These are adult fleas. Their bodies are about 1–3 mm long, resembling miniature brown insects. Use a fine-toothed comb, preferably a flea comb, to run through the fur from head to tail. The comb will catch live fleas, dead insects, and the characteristic black specks known as flea dirt.
Second, examine the skin for irritation. Flea bites cause small, red, raised lesions, often clustered around the neck, base of the tail, and abdomen. The cat may develop hair loss (alopecia) in heavily infested areas due to scratching. Look for scabs, crusts, or secondary infections that can arise from excessive grooming.
Third, monitor the cat’s behavior. Frequent scratching, biting at the skin, or excessive licking are strong indicators of discomfort caused by parasites. A sudden increase in grooming, especially around the lower back and tail, should raise suspicion.
Fourth, check the environment. Flea eggs and larvae fall off the host and accumulate in bedding, carpets, and upholstery. Collect a small sample of debris from these areas and place it on a white paper. If the specks turn reddish-brown when moistened with water, they are flea feces, confirming an infestation.
Fifth, consider diagnostic tools. Veterinarians can perform a “fleas on tape” test: a piece of adhesive tape is pressed against the cat’s skin, then examined under a microscope for adult fleas, eggs, or larvae. A skin scrape can also reveal flea larvae or other parasites.
If any of the above evidence is present, the cat is likely infested and should receive appropriate treatment. Prompt intervention prevents the spread to other pets and reduces the risk of flea-borne diseases.