What do fleas and lice look like on cats? - briefly
Fleas appear as dark brown, laterally flattened insects 1–3 mm long that move rapidly and leave tiny black specks of feces on the coat. Lice are 1–2 mm, wing‑less, elongated parasites, light gray or tan in color, often visible as small nits attached to individual hairs.
What do fleas and lice look like on cats? - in detail
Fleas on felines are tiny, laterally flattened insects about 1–3 mm long. Their bodies are dark brown to reddish‑black, often appearing as specks of moving debris on the coat. Under magnification, each flea shows a hard exoskeleton, long hind legs adapted for jumping, and a comb‑like head with short antennae. When a cat is heavily infested, clusters of fleas may be visible near the base of the tail, the belly, and the neck, where they feed on blood and leave small, pinpoint, reddish‑brown spots that can develop into tiny, itchy papules.
Lice are obligate parasites, considerably larger than fleas, ranging from 2–5 mm. They have a flattened, elongated body that matches the color of the host’s fur, typically a pale gray or tan. Unlike fleas, lice cling to hair shafts; their claws grip tightly to each strand. Adult cat lice are wingless, with a slightly broader head and a segmented abdomen. Their legs end in small claws that give a “spider‑like” appearance when observed closely. Visible signs include a fine, whitish or grayish coating of nymphs and eggs (nits) attached near the skin, especially along the back, behind the ears, and around the neck. The skin may show small, pinpoint hemorrhages or scabs where lice have fed.
Key visual cues for distinguishing the two parasites:
- Size: Fleas 1–3 mm, lice 2–5 mm.
- Shape: Fleas laterally compressed with powerful hind legs; lice elongated, wingless, with clawed legs.
- Location: Fleas congregate in warm, hidden areas (tail base, groin); lice are found on the surface of the coat, especially near the head and neck.
- Residue: Fleas leave dark specks of feces and blood spots; lice produce a fine, powdery debris of shed skins and eggs.
Recognizing these characteristics enables accurate identification and appropriate treatment.