What do fleas do to cats? - briefly
Fleas embed in a cat’s skin, feed on its blood, and trigger itching, dermatitis, and possible anemia. Severe infestations may also transmit tapeworms and bacterial pathogens.
What do fleas do to cats? - in detail
Fleas bite the skin of felines, injecting saliva that contains anticoagulants and irritants. The immediate result is a localized inflammatory reaction, manifesting as redness, swelling, and intense itching. Repeated feeding leads to hypersensitivity in many animals, producing allergic dermatitis characterized by papules, crusts, and hair loss.
Continual blood loss from numerous parasites can cause anemia, especially in kittens, senior cats, or those already weakened by illness. Blood depletion reduces oxygen transport, leading to lethargy, pale mucous membranes, and, in severe cases, collapse.
Flea saliva also serves as a vector for several pathogens. Transmission of Bartonella henselae may result in cat‑scratch disease in humans and can cause fever, lymphadenopathy, and prolonged malaise in the host. Flea‑borne tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum) develop when a cat ingests an infected flea during grooming, producing segments that appear in the feces or around the anal area.
Excessive scratching and grooming in response to bites can damage the epidermis, creating open wounds that become colonized by bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus species. Secondary infections may present as purulent lesions, foul odor, and systemic signs like fever.
Behavioral changes may accompany infestation. Persistent discomfort often leads to reduced play, decreased appetite, and avoidance of grooming, further compromising coat condition and overall health.
Key effects of flea infestation on cats:
- Local irritation and allergic dermatitis
- Anemia from chronic blood loss
- Transmission of bacterial and parasitic diseases
- Secondary bacterial skin infections
- Disruption of normal behavior and grooming habits
Effective management requires prompt identification, regular use of veterinary‑approved ectoparasiticides, environmental control through vacuuming and washing of bedding, and routine health monitoring to detect early signs of complications.