How do fleas reproduce on cats? - briefly
Adult fleas deposit eggs on the cat’s coat; the eggs drop into the surrounding environment where they hatch into larvae, feed on organic debris, and later emerge as pupae that develop into new adult fleas. The cycle repeats as emerging adults re‑infest the host.
How do fleas reproduce on cats? - in detail
Fleas complete their life cycle on a feline host and in the surrounding environment. The adult female deposits 20–50 eggs per day onto the cat’s fur; eggs fall off into the bedding, carpet, or floor. Eggs hatch within 2–5 days, releasing larvae that are blind, legless, and feed on organic debris, adult flea feces (often called « blood‑filled excrement »), and skin scales. Larvae spin silken cocoons and undergo a pupal stage lasting 5–10 days under optimal temperature (21‑30 °C) and humidity (≥ 75 %). Pupae remain dormant until stimulated by host vibrations, carbon dioxide, or heat, at which point adult fleas emerge. Emerging adults seek a host within minutes, climbing onto the cat, where mating occurs shortly after emergence. Mated females begin egg production within 24–48 hours, restarting the cycle.
Key parameters influencing reproduction:
- Temperature: 21‑30 °C accelerates development; below 15 °C prolongs or halts progression.
- Relative humidity: ≥ 75 % supports larval survival; low humidity increases mortality.
- Host availability: continuous presence of a cat provides blood meals necessary for adult sustenance and egg production.
- Grooming behavior: frequent grooming removes eggs and larvae, reducing population buildup.
Typical timeline from egg to reproductive adult spans 2‑3 weeks under favorable conditions. Multiple generations can occur within a single month, leading to exponential population growth if unchecked. Effective control requires interrupting each stage: regular washing of bedding to eliminate eggs and larvae, maintaining indoor humidity below 60 %, using approved topical or oral insecticides to kill adults, and ensuring the cat receives preventative flea treatments.