How to find fleas on a cat? - briefly
Part the cat’s fur and run a fine‑toothed flea comb through the coat, checking for tiny, dark moving insects or small black specks of flea feces that easily fall off the comb. If any are found, the cat is infested.
How to find fleas on a cat? - in detail
Detecting a flea infestation in a cat requires systematic observation of both the animal’s appearance and behavior. Begin with a thorough visual examination. Place the cat on a clean surface, gently part the fur from the neck to the tail, and look for small, dark specks moving quickly. Flea feces, known as “flea dirt,” appear as tiny black or brown grains resembling pepper; they can be distinguished by moistening a cotton swab with water—if the speck dissolves into a reddish stain, it is blood‑stained flea waste.
Next, use a fine‑toothed flea comb. Run the comb through the coat in the direction of hair growth, starting at the head and moving toward the tail. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white paper towel; any captured insects will be visible as tiny, wingless bodies roughly 1–3 mm long. Repeat the process on the belly, hindquarters, and between the toes, where fleas often hide.
Observe the cat’s behavior for indirect indicators. Excessive scratching, licking, or biting at the skin, especially around the base of the tail, often signals discomfort caused by bites. Red, inflamed patches or small, raised bumps (papules) suggest allergic reactions to flea saliva. In severe cases, hair loss or scabs may develop.
Inspect the environment for additional clues. Check bedding, carpets, and upholstery for the same dark specks or flea dirt. A vacuum of the area followed by immediate disposal of the bag can reduce the likelihood of hidden stages of the flea life cycle.
If any of the following criteria are met, confirm the presence of fleas:
- Live insects observed on the coat or comb.
- Reddish staining from flea dirt after moistening.
- Persistent scratching or skin irritation localized to typical flea hotspots.
- Evidence of flea debris in the cat’s living area.
Document findings, then proceed with appropriate treatment, which may include topical insecticides, oral medications, or environmental control measures. Regular re‑inspection after treatment, using the same combing and visual techniques, ensures that the infestation has been eliminated.