How do fleas multiply on a cat? - briefly
After feeding, a female flea deposits 20–30 eggs on the cat’s coat, which fall to the surrounding environment. The eggs hatch, larvae construct cocoons, and adult fleas emerge, completing the cycle in about two to three weeks.
How do fleas multiply on a cat? - in detail
Fleas complete their life cycle on a cat and in the surrounding environment. An adult female can lay up to 50 eggs per day after a blood meal. Eggs are deposited on the host’s fur but quickly fall off, accumulating in bedding, carpets, and cracks on the floor. Within 24–48 hours, the eggs hatch into larvae that are blind, worm‑like, and feed on organic debris, adult flea feces (which contain partially digested blood), and skin flakes. Larvae seek dark, humid locations; they spin silk cocoons and enter the pupal stage after 5–11 days. Pupae remain dormant until stimulated by vibrations, carbon‑dioxide, or heat from a passing animal, at which point they emerge as adult fleas. The adult stage lasts 2–3 weeks, during which the insect seeks a blood source, mates, and the cycle repeats.
Key factors influencing rapid multiplication:
- Temperature: 75–85 °F (24–29 °C) accelerates development; at lower temperatures, pupae can remain dormant for months.
- Humidity: 50–70 % relative humidity supports larval survival; dry conditions increase mortality.
- Host availability: Continuous presence of a cat provides regular blood meals, enabling females to produce eggs continuously.
- Environmental contamination: Accumulated eggs, larvae, and pupae in the home create a reservoir that re‑infests the animal even after treatment.
Typical timeline under optimal conditions:
- Egg deposition – 0 h
- Egg hatching – 1–2 days
- Larval feeding and growth – 5–11 days
- Pupation – 5–7 days (can extend to several weeks if conditions are unfavorable)
- Adult emergence – 1 day after stimulation
- First blood meal and mating – within 24 h of emergence
- Egg laying by fertilized female – 2–3 days after first meal
Without intervention, a single female can produce several hundred offspring within a month, leading to exponential population growth on the host and in its surroundings. Effective control must target all stages: adult fleas on the cat, larvae and pupae in the environment, and conditions that favor development.