How do fleas develop on cats? - briefly
Female fleas deposit eggs onto a cat’s coat; the eggs drop into the environment, hatch into larvae that consume organic debris, then spin cocoons and pupate. Emerging adults seek a host, jump onto the cat, and begin the cycle anew.
How do fleas develop on cats? - in detail
Fleas complete a four‑stage life cycle while infesting a cat. The process begins when an adult female deposits hundreds of eggs on the animal’s coat. Eggs fall off the host and accumulate in the surrounding environment—bedding, carpets, and cracks in flooring.
The eggs hatch within 1–10 days, releasing larvae that are blind, legless, and attracted to organic debris. Larvae feed on microscopic particles such as adult flea feces (often called “flea dirt”), skin scales, and mold. They remain in the environment, constructing silken tubes for protection while they grow.
After 5–11 days of feeding, larvae spin cocoons and enter the pupal stage. Pupae can remain dormant for weeks or months, depending on temperature, humidity, and the presence of vibrational cues from a nearby host. When a cat disturbs the cocoon—by moving or generating heat—the pupae emerge as adult fleas.
Adult fleas emerge ready to locate a host. Within hours, they climb onto the cat, begin feeding on blood, and start reproducing. Females require a blood meal before producing eggs, initiating a new cycle. Under optimal conditions (warmth above 70 °F, high humidity, abundant food), the entire cycle can be completed in as little as two weeks, leading to rapid population growth if unchecked.