What threats do fleas pose to a cat? - briefly
Fleas can cause severe anemia, intense itching, secondary skin infections, and act as vectors for tapeworms and bacterial diseases such as Bartonella henselae. If left untreated, these conditions may lead to weight loss, lethargy, and potentially life‑threatening complications.
What threats do fleas pose to a cat? - in detail
Fleas present several serious health risks for domestic cats. The most immediate effect is intense skin irritation caused by repeated bites. This irritation often leads to excessive scratching, hair loss, and the development of lesions that can become infected with bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus species. In cats that are hypersensitive to flea saliva, the reaction escalates to flea‑allergy dermatitis, characterized by chronic pruritus, crusted skin, and secondary pyoderma.
Blood loss from frequent feeding can produce anemia, especially in kittens, elderly cats, or those already weakened by disease. Even modest blood depletion can lower hematocrit levels, causing lethargy, pale mucous membranes, and reduced oxygen transport.
Fleas act as vectors for several pathogens:
- Bartonella henselae – the agent of cat‑scratch disease, transmitted when a flea defecates on the cat’s skin and the cat scratches the area.
- Rickettsia felis – causes flea‑borne spotted fever, presenting with fever and malaise.
- Hemoplasmas (e.g., Mycoplasma haemofelis) – lead to hemolytic anemia and immunosuppression.
- Dipylidium caninum – a tapeworm acquired when a cat ingests an infected flea during grooming; adult worms reside in the intestine, causing weight loss and intestinal irritation.
Flea infestations also create a reservoir of eggs, larvae, and pupae in the environment. These stages can develop rapidly, leading to re‑infestation even after treatment of the host. The persistent presence of immature stages increases the likelihood of repeated exposure and amplifies the aforementioned health threats.
In summary, flea bites trigger dermatologic disorders, blood loss can cause anemia, and the insects transmit bacterial, protozoal, and helminthic agents that compromise feline health. Effective control requires both direct treatment of the cat and environmental management to eliminate immature flea stages.