What are fleas for on cats? - briefly
Fleas are external parasites that ingest a cat’s blood, leading to irritation, anemia, and possible disease transmission. Their detection requires prompt veterinary‑advised treatment to eliminate the infestation.
What are fleas for on cats? - in detail
Fleas survive on cats by extracting blood through a specialized mouthpart that pierces the skin. This feeding provides the insect with nutrients necessary for growth and reproduction. Each adult female can lay up to 5,000 eggs during her lifetime, depositing them on the host’s coat where they fall into the surrounding environment. The eggs hatch into larvae that feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces (flea dirt) rich in digested blood. Larvae develop into pupae, remaining dormant until environmental cues such as vibrations or carbon dioxide signal a nearby host, prompting emergence of the adult flea.
The presence of fleas on a cat produces several physiological effects. Blood loss from repeated bites may lead to anemia, especially in kittens or debilitated animals. Saliva introduced during feeding contains proteins that trigger hypersensitivity reactions, resulting in intense pruritus, skin inflammation, and secondary bacterial infections. Fleas also serve as vectors for pathogens; they can transmit Bartonella henselae (cat‑scratch disease), Rickettsia felis (murine typhus), and tapeworm eggs (Dipylidium caninum) that are ingested during grooming.
Control strategies target both the animal and its habitat. Effective measures include:
- Topical or oral adulticidal agents that interrupt the feeding cycle.
- Insect growth regulators that prevent egg development into mature fleas.
- Regular environmental cleaning, vacuuming, and laundering of bedding to remove eggs, larvae, and pupae.
- Periodic treatment of the home and yard with approved insecticides or diatomaceous earth to reduce immature stages.
Understanding the flea’s life cycle and its impact on feline health enables precise intervention, reduces the risk of disease transmission, and prevents the cascade of skin and systemic complications associated with infestation.