How to check for fleas on a cat? - briefly
Part the fur and examine the skin, focusing on the neck, base of the tail, and abdomen, looking for tiny dark insects or their dirt-like feces. Run a fine‑toothed flea comb through the coat; any caught particles confirm an infestation.
How to check for fleas on a cat? - in detail
Inspect the animal’s coat and skin thoroughly. Begin by placing the cat on a stable surface, such as a table covered with a towel, to prevent it from slipping. Use a fine‑toothed flea comb, holding the fur taut and drawing the comb from the neck toward the tail in slow, steady strokes. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white paper towel; flea debris appears as dark specks.
Focus on common infestation sites: the base of the tail, the lower back, the abdomen, and the inner thighs. Part the fur with fingers and examine the skin for:
- Live insects, typically 1–3 mm, dark brown or reddish.
- Small, black, flea feces (digested blood) resembling pepper.
- Red, irritated spots or small, raised bumps indicating bites.
If a flea is found, place it on the paper towel and confirm identification by its jumping behavior when disturbed. For heavier infestations, repeat the combing process every 5–10 minutes for several minutes, covering the entire body.
After inspection, clean the comb with soap and hot water to avoid spreading parasites. Dispose of collected fleas by flushing them down the toilet or sealing them in a plastic bag before discarding. Finally, wash the towel and any bedding the cat has contacted to remove lingering eggs and larvae.