What do flea nits look like on a cat? - briefly
Flea nits appear as minute, oval‑shaped eggs about 0.5 mm long, typically white, cream, or light brown, firmly attached to the hair shaft near the skin, especially around the neck, tail base, and belly. They are often found in clusters and may be difficult to see without close inspection.
What do flea nits look like on a cat? - in detail
Flea nits are the egg‑stage of the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and can be identified by several distinct characteristics.
The nits are oval, measuring approximately 0.5 mm in length, and appear as tiny, white‑to‑pale‑cream specks. When freshly laid, they are translucent and may be difficult to see against a light‑colored coat. As they age, the shells harden and turn a yellowish‑brown hue, resembling small grains of sand.
Typical locations include the base of the fur near the neck, behind the ears, at the base of the tail, and along the spine. Nits attach firmly to hair shafts, often at an angle, making them resistant to casual brushing.
Key visual differences from other particles:
- Dandruff: flakes are larger, irregular, and easily dislodged; they lack attachment to hair.
- Tick eggs: clusters are larger, often grouped in masses, and appear as creamy‑white clumps rather than isolated specks.
- Flea feces (“flea dirt”): dark, granular, and typically found on the skin surface, not attached to hair.
To confirm presence, a fine‑toothed flea comb can be run through the coat. Nits will remain caught in the comb’s teeth, while debris passes through. Under magnification, the nit’s shell shows a smooth, rounded surface with a faint, central seam where the embryo lies.
Effective control requires removing visible nits, treating the animal with an appropriate topical or oral ectoparasiticide, and addressing the environment to prevent re‑infestation.