If you've noticed your cat has been scratching more than normal, you probably should consider that they could be hosting tiny parasites known as cat fleas.
How did your cat become infested? How do you get rid of them? Read on for the answer to those questions and more about cat fleas.
How Did My Cat Get Fleas?
One study detailed in Veterinary Parasitology found a flea that could jump 19 inches in one hop, or 160 times its body length. These jumping skills help these nonflying parasites travel easily from the ground to a new host or from host to host. Animals commonly found in your backyard — such as raccoons, mice, possums and others — more than likely carry fleas and can leave behind fleas or larvae in your yard that can easily enter your home by hitchhiking on you or a dog coming in from outdoors. Fleas can easily jump from pet to pet, no matter the species. Your cat could even simply have attracted a flea by sitting peacefully in front of their favorite screened window.
How to Identify Fleas on Your Cat
Just one flea can turn into a major infestation in a short time, as a single female can lay up to fifty eggs a day, according to the University of Kentucky. The most obvious sign of a flea infestation is a cat obsessively scratching their body. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine writes that fleas most frequently bite cats on the back of the neck and the top of the tail head. Since they can't reach these places with their tongues while grooming, it means they have to scratch.
If you suspect your cat has fleas, run a fine-tooth comb through their coat while they stand on a white piece of paper or a white towel. If they do have fleas, you'll more than likely dislodge tiny black specks (flea feces) and maybe even a flea or two that you'll be able to easily spot on the white background. You can see fleas with the naked eye.
What Health Problems Do Fleas Cause?
Cat fleas can be more than an irritant; sometimes they can be the cause of other serious health issues. For instance, writes Cornell, fleas can transmit tapeworms, or their bloodsucking can lead to anemia if your cat is still a lightweight kitten or the flea burden is high.
Tasty Tips
Treating and Preventing Fleas
Ready to put the "no vacancy" sign out for these tiny freeloaders? Your first course of action is to call your vet to get advice and treatment options. Your vet might also suggest having your cat tested for tapeworms and other diseases.
Not only do you have to treat your cat, you also have to remove all pests from your home to prevent reinfestation. It will take careful vacuuming, washing and maybe an exterminator to effectively rid your home of all pests.
You can prevent fleas from coming back by using one of the proven flea and tick repellent products on the market, even on indoor cats. Flea and tick products for pets are regulated by either the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Environmental Protection Agency. Products approved by those federal regulators must show that the drug or pesticide they are marketing actually works, and that it meets up-to-date safety standards to protect pets, people and the environment. These products come in a variety of forms such as spot-on applications, pills, or collars. Make sure the repellent you choose is safe for your cat, since a dog-safe product may harm them. It is wise to purchase your flea and tick products from your veterinarian as some over-the-counter and natural products can be ineffective or particularly harmful to certain pets.
Your vet will likely recommend treating your cat throughout the entire year.. Flea season typically peaks in warmer months, but in some parts of the country can last year-round. You may think you have the cleanest kitty in the world, but fleas can affect any pet. So keep a watchful eye to make sure your cat is happy, healthy and itch-free.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley Cat Food
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Duck & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Chicken Recipe
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system.ain, eye & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Chicken & Beef, Salmon & Tuna 2.8 oz. pouch, 12 pack
These irresistible foods are specially formulated to support digestive health, nourish skin & promote a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Dinners Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich gravy
Related articles
Feline Urinary Tract Diseases & Infections: Facts & Nutritional Tips
Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of urinary tract disease in cats and the affect on your cat's health and well-being.
Suggestions to Make Your Cat Drink from a Bowl
If your cat refuses to drink from her water dish, or sees it more of a toy, learn some different ways you can encourage your cat to drink from a bowl.
Weight Control Food for Cats: Key Features and Feeding Tips
What is the best food for an overweight cat? Learn all about weight control food for cats, including what's in it and how it works.
Why Does My Cat Walk on Me?
Cats often like to treat us like their personal cat bed, but why do they love to stand & walk on us? Learn why & how you can nicely curb this behavior.
Grain Free Cat Food: What You Need to Know
Understand what grain free cat food actually means and whether or not it is a healthy solution to feed your cat.
Feline Pancreatitis: What You Need to Know
Learn from a veterinarian: How to spot the serious signs of feline pancreatitis, emergency care, and what kind of diet to feed her while she's recovering.
Cats & Slow Blinking: What Does it Mean?
Learn what your cat really means when she blinks slowly at you and why it's a gesture you can give her in return.
What's a Normal Cat Temperature? Tips for Checking Your Cat's Vitals
Learn tips for checking your cat's vital signs, including things like proper body temperature, and why it's a good way to monitor their health.
Cat Food Taste & Types: Does My Cat Like Their Food?
Learn about different types of cat foods, why your cat might actually like certain ones over others and questions to ask your vet about cat food taste.
Do Hypoallergenic Cat Breeds Exist? (& Which Breeds Shed the Least?)
Even though all cat breeds still produce allergens, those that shed less can be a good choice for allergy sufferers. Learn which breeds might work for you.
Cat Grass: Is it Safe for My Cat?
Learn what cat grass is, whether it's safe for your kitty and why it may be beneficial for certain breeds, especially ones that are prone to hairballs.
All About Your Cat's Sleeping Habits
Learn all about your cat's sleep schedule, why she seems to be most active during twilight hours and what it means to be a crepuscular kitty.
Important Information on Food Allergies & Intolerance in Your Cat
Understand how food allergies and intolerances present themselves in cats, and what you can do to prevent and care for cats with allergies.
Helpful Tips for Traveling with Your Cat
Get helpful tips and advice for traveling with your cat including by car, train, or air. Learn the safest ways for your cat to travel.
Cat Pneumonia: Signs, Diagnosis & Treatment
Cat pneumonia can be life-threatening if not addressed when clinical signs start to show. Luckily, many cats treated for this illness recover.
Cat Zoomies: Why Your Cat Gets Them & When to Call the Vet
Learn why your kitty gets cat zoomies, random bouts of energy that cause them to race through the house, and when zoomies could indicate a health issue.
How Many Cat Breeds Are There?
Learn how the history behind different registries of cat breeds, how each registry differs in their classifications, and if new breeds are accepted.
How to Tell if Your Cat has a Fever
Ever wondered if your cat is under the weather? Learn how to check to see if she has a fever and what steps you can take to help her feel better.
Vaccines Your Kitten Should Have
Learn the schedule of vaccinations a vet may recommend for your kitten, as well as the diseases and conditions they can help protect her from.
Training Your Kitten to Use the Litter Box
Cats are naturally very clean and chances are your kitten will already have learned how to use the litter box from her mother before she comes to live with you.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.