How to find out if a kitten has fleas? - briefly
Examine the kitten’s coat with a fine-toothed flea comb, checking for live insects, tiny black specks (flea feces), or excessive scratching; any of these signs indicate a flea infestation.
How to find out if a kitten has fleas? - in detail
Detecting a flea infestation in a young cat requires close observation and simple diagnostic steps.
First, examine the kitten’s coat. Run a fine-toothed comb or a flea‑specific flea comb through the fur, starting at the neck and moving toward the tail. Flea debris, known as “flea dirt,” appears as small, dark specks that turn reddish when moistened with water.
Second, inspect the skin. Look for tiny, moving insects, especially around the base of the tail, under the belly, and between the toes. Adult fleas are about 2–3 mm long, dark brown, and jump when disturbed.
Third, monitor behavior. Excessive scratching, biting, or licking of the fur may indicate irritation caused by fleas. A kitten that constantly rubs its head against furniture or the floor may be trying to alleviate itching.
Fourth, perform a simple test for flea dirt. Collect a few dark specks with a damp cotton swab, place them on white paper, and add a few drops of water. If the specks dissolve into a reddish stain, they are likely digested blood, confirming the presence of fleas.
Fifth, consider environmental clues. Flea larvae and pupae reside in bedding, carpets, and cracks. If the kitten’s sleeping area shows fine, white, powdery material, it may be flea larvae.
Practical checklist for confirmation:
- Use a flea comb on the entire coat, especially the neck, tail base, and paws.
- Look for moving insects or flea dirt on the skin and fur.
- Observe for persistent scratching, biting, or grooming.
- Conduct the flea dirt water test for reddish staining.
- Examine the kitten’s bedding and surrounding floor for powdery debris.
If any of these indicators are present, the kitten is most likely infested and treatment should begin promptly. Early detection prevents secondary skin infections and reduces the risk of spreading fleas to other pets and the household.