How do flea bites look on a cat’s body? - briefly
Flea bites appear as tiny, reddish‑brown puncture marks, frequently clustered around the neck, tail base, and abdomen, sometimes accompanied by hair loss and scaly skin. The lesions are usually itchy and may develop a faint halo of inflammation around each point.
How do flea bites look on a cat’s body? - in detail
Flea bites on felines appear as small, raised spots that are often reddish‑brown. The lesions typically measure 2–5 mm in diameter and may be solitary or grouped in clusters, especially along the lower back, tail base, neck, and inner thighs. The center of each puncture can be slightly darker than the surrounding skin, reflecting minor hemorrhage from the flea’s mouthparts.
The surrounding tissue frequently shows a thin halo of erythema, giving the spot a target‑like outline. In cats with sensitive skin, the area may swell enough to create a palpable lump. Scratching or grooming can exacerbate the inflammation, leading to secondary crusting or ulceration.
Key visual characteristics:
- Location: dorsal thorax, lumbar region, tail base, ventral abdomen, and inner limbs.
- Size: 2–5 mm, sometimes larger when multiple bites coalesce.
- Color: reddish‑brown central puncture with a lighter pink or pale halo.
- Texture: firm papule that may become soft if edema develops.
- Secondary changes: crust, scab, or hair loss if the cat rubs the area.
Cats with allergic reactions to flea saliva exhibit more pronounced swelling, intense redness, and may develop papular or pustular lesions that spread beyond the bite sites. In such cases, the skin can become hot to the touch and the cat may display increased grooming behavior.
Observation of these signs, combined with a flea‑infested environment, confirms the presence of flea bites. Prompt treatment of the infestation and topical soothing agents reduce lesion severity and prevent further skin damage.