What is the flea on cats called? - briefly
The common flea that infests domestic cats is the cat flea, scientifically known as Ctenocephalides felis. It is the species most frequently found on felines worldwide.
What is the flea on cats called? - in detail
The common ectoparasite that infests domestic felines is the cat flea, scientifically known as Ctenocephalides felis. This insect belongs to the order Siphonaptera and is distinguished by its laterally compressed body, which enables movement through the host’s fur. Adult fleas measure 1–3 mm, possess powerful hind legs for jumping up to 150 times their body length, and feed exclusively on blood.
Biology and life cycle
- Egg: laid on the host’s coat, falls to the environment within 24 hours.
- Larva: worm‑like, non‑parasitic, consumes organic debris and adult feces; development takes 5–20 days depending on temperature and humidity.
- Pupa: forms a protective cocoon; emergence is triggered by vibrations, carbon dioxide, and heat from a nearby host.
- Adult: emerges ready to feed; can live 2–3 weeks on a cat, longer in optimal conditions.
Clinical signs
- Intense scratching and grooming, especially around the neck and tail base.
- Small, dark specks (flea feces) on the skin, often mistaken for dirt.
- Visible adult fleas moving rapidly through fur.
- Secondary skin infections caused by bacterial invasion of bite sites.
Diagnosis
- Visual inspection of the coat and skin.
- Comb test using a fine‑toothed flea comb; collected insects are identified by morphology.
- Microscopic examination of flea feces to confirm presence of digested blood.
Treatment options
- Topical spot‑on products containing imidacloprid, fipronil, or selamectin, applied to the dorsal neck region.
- Oral systemic agents such as nitenpyram, spinosad, or afoxolaner, providing rapid kill of adult fleas.
- Injectable formulations (e.g., selamectin) for cats with contraindications to topical use.
- All treatments must be administered according to label dosage and repeated as recommended to break the life cycle.
Environmental control
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding daily; discard vacuum bags promptly.
- Wash all washable fabrics at ≥60 °C.
- Apply insect growth regulators (e.g., methoprene, pyriproxyfen) to indoor areas to inhibit larval development.
- Treat other household pets, as C. felis readily infests dogs and wildlife.
Prevention
- Maintain a regular schedule of flea preventatives throughout the year.
- Conduct monthly flea comb checks, especially after outdoor exposure.
- Keep the indoor environment dry and well‑ventilated to deter larval survival.
Understanding the taxonomy, developmental stages, and control measures of Ctenocephalides felis enables effective management of infestations and reduces the risk of associated dermatological complications in cats.