What is a cat flea? - briefly
The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is a tiny, wingless insect that survives by sucking blood from cats, dogs, and occasionally humans. It reproduces rapidly, laying eggs that fall off the host and develop in the surrounding environment.
What is a cat flea? - in detail
Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) are small, wing‑less insects that parasitize felines and, occasionally, other mammals. Adult specimens measure 1–4 mm, have a laterally compressed body, and possess powerful hind legs adapted for jumping up to 150 times their own length. Their coloration ranges from reddish‑brown to dark brown, darkening after a blood meal.
The life cycle comprises four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female fleas lay 20–50 eggs daily on the host’s fur; eggs drop to the environment where they hatch within 1–10 days. Larvae are blind, worm‑like, and feed on organic debris, including adult feces (flea dirt). Pupae develop within silk cocoons and remain dormant until stimulated by vibrations, heat, or carbon dioxide, emerging as adults ready to infest a host. The complete cycle can be finished in as little as two weeks under optimal temperature (21–30 °C) and humidity (70–80 %).
Key biological traits include:
- Blood feeding: Adults require a blood meal every 24–48 hours. Feeding involves piercing the skin with a serrated mouthpart, injecting anticoagulants and anesthetics that mask the bite.
- Reproductive capacity: A single female can produce up to 2,500 eggs in her lifetime, leading to rapid population growth.
- Host specificity: While cats are the primary hosts, fleas readily infest dogs, rodents, and humans, facilitating cross‑species transmission.
Medical relevance stems from the flea’s role as a vector for pathogens. Notable diseases transmitted include:
- Bartonella henselae – causative agent of cat‑scratch disease.
- Rickettsia felis – responsible for flea‑borne spotted fever.
- Dipylidium caninum – a tapeworm whose intermediate stage develops inside the flea.
Control measures focus on interrupting the life cycle:
- Environmental treatment: Apply insect growth regulators (IGRs) such as methoprene or pyriproxyfen to carpets, bedding, and cracks to prevent larval development.
- Adulticide application: Use topical or oral insecticides (e.g., fipronil, imidacloprid) on the animal to eliminate feeding adults.
- Regular grooming: Frequent combing removes eggs and adult fleas, reducing infestation load.
- Vacuuming: Daily vacuuming of floors and upholstery eliminates larvae and pupae; dispose of vacuum bags promptly.
- Sanitation: Wash bedding at ≥ 55 °C and maintain low humidity to hinder development.
Preventive strategies involve year‑round monthly topical or oral preventatives, combined with routine environmental cleaning. Monitoring through flea combs or sticky traps provides early detection, allowing swift intervention before populations expand.