What are fleas on cats? - briefly
Fleas are small, wing‑less insects that feed on a cat’s blood, causing itching, skin irritation, and potential disease transmission. They reproduce rapidly, with eggs falling off the animal and developing in the environment.
What are fleas on cats? - in detail
Fleas that infest domestic cats are small, wing‑less insects belonging to the order Siphonaptera, primarily the species Ctenocephalides felis. Adults measure 1–3 mm, are laterally compressed, and possess powerful hind legs that enable rapid jumping. Their mouthparts are adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood, which provides the nutrients required for reproduction.
The flea life cycle comprises four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female cats can host several hundred eggs daily; these are deposited on the host’s fur but quickly fall into the environment. Eggs hatch within 2–5 days into “worm‑shaped” larvae that feed on organic debris, including adult flea feces (blood‑stained specks). Larvae spin silken cocoons and enter the pupal stage, where they remain dormant until environmental cues—vibration, heat, carbon dioxide—signal a nearby host. Adult emergence typically occurs within 1–2 weeks, but pupae can persist for months under adverse conditions.
Clinical signs in cats include intense scratching, biting at the skin, and the appearance of small dark specks (flea dirt) that turn reddish when moistened. Secondary bacterial infections may develop from excoriations. In severe infestations, anemia can result from blood loss, especially in kittens or debilitated animals. Fleas also serve as vectors for pathogens such as Bartonella henselae (cat‑scratch disease) and Dipylidium caninum (tapeworm).
Effective management requires a three‑pronged approach:
- Direct treatment of the animal: Apply veterinarian‑approved topical or oral insecticides that kill adult fleas and interrupt development (e.g., imidacloprid, selamectin, nitenpyram). Repeat dosing follows product‑specific intervals to maintain efficacy.
- Environmental control: Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and bedding daily; discard vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately. Wash all washable fabrics in hot water (≥ 60 °C). Use insect growth regulators (IGRs) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen in the home to prevent larval maturation.
- Preventive maintenance: Administer monthly flea preventatives throughout the year, regardless of season, to suppress reinfestation. Regular grooming aids early detection.
Monitoring involves inspecting the coat for live fleas and flea dirt, especially behind the ears, neck, and base of the tail. A fine‑toothed comb can capture specimens for identification. Laboratory confirmation of species may be necessary when dealing with resistant infestations or suspected disease transmission.
Prompt, comprehensive action eliminates the parasite, reduces discomfort, and prevents health complications associated with flea‑borne agents.