How do fleas infest cats? - briefly
Fleas reach cats by jumping from infested bedding, carpets, or other animals and attaching to the skin to feed on blood. Female fleas then deposit eggs on the host or nearby surfaces, enabling a rapid increase in the flea population.
How do fleas infest cats? - in detail
Fleas reach cats primarily through direct contact with infested animals, contaminated environments, or by hitchhiking on humans, clothing, or objects that have brushed against a flea‑laden host. Adult female fleas lay eggs on the cat’s fur; the eggs fall off and accumulate in bedding, carpets, and cracks in floors. Within 24–48 hours, eggs hatch into larvae that feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces (blood‑stained specks). Larvae spin cocoons and pupate, remaining dormant until a suitable host’s heat, carbon dioxide, or movement triggers adult emergence. Once mature, adult fleas jump onto the cat, attach to the skin, and begin blood feeding, completing the cycle in roughly two weeks under optimal conditions.
Key factors that accelerate infestation:
- Warm, humid indoor climate (≥ 75 °F, 70 % humidity)
- Presence of other pets or wildlife that carry fleas
- Infrequent cleaning of pet bedding and household fabrics
- Lack of regular preventive treatments
Detection relies on visual inspection for adult fleas, flea dirt (dark specks) on the coat, or scratching behavior. Effective control combines immediate adulticide treatment on the cat, environmental insecticide application to kill larvae and pupae, and regular vacuuming to remove eggs and larvae from the home. Ongoing preventive measures—monthly topical or oral products—interrupt the life cycle and prevent re‑infestation.