How do fleas develop on domestic cats? - briefly
Flea eggs laid on a cat’s coat drop into the surrounding environment, where they hatch into larvae that consume organic debris before forming pupae; the emerging adults then jump back onto the cat to feed and reproduce. The complete cycle typically spans 2–3 weeks under favorable temperature and humidity conditions.
How do fleas develop on domestic cats? - in detail
Fleas complete a four‑stage life cycle while exploiting a domestic cat as their primary host. The cycle begins when an adult female deposits 20‑50 eggs on the cat’s fur. Eggs detach during grooming and fall into the surrounding environment—carpets, bedding, or cracks in the floor. Under temperatures of 21‑30 °C and relative humidity above 50 %, eggs hatch within 2‑5 days, releasing first‑instar larvae.
Larvae are blind, non‑feeding organisms that seek organic debris, adult flea feces (which contain blood proteins), and skin flakes. They pass through three larval instars over 5‑11 days, each molt increasing size and feeding capacity. Moisture and warmth accelerate development; dry, cold conditions can extend the larval period to several weeks.
After the final molt, larvae spin silken cocoons and enter the pupal stage. Pupae remain dormant within the cocoon, protected from desiccation and predators. Environmental cues—vibrations, increased carbon dioxide, heat, or the presence of a potential host—trigger emergence. This phase can last from a few days to several months, depending on climate and shelter availability.
Adult fleas emerge from the cocoon, seek a host, and immediately begin blood feeding. Mating occurs on the cat within 24 hours of emergence. A fertilized female commences egg production after a 24‑48‑hour pre‑oviposition period, initiating a new cycle. Under optimal conditions, the entire life cycle—from egg to reproductive adult—can be completed in 2‑3 weeks, allowing rapid population expansion on a single cat and in its immediate environment.