Introduction

Fleas are small parasitic insects, in the order Siphonaptera, which feed off of the blood of their host. All fleas live on the skin of their host animal, and there are different species of fleas which feed off of cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, and humans (although if hungry, a flea of any species will feed off of any available host). Fleas are known for their ability to jump great distances and for their fast reproduction rates.

Causes of Fleas in Cats

Cats pick up fleas if fleas are already present in their environment or if they come into contact with another host that is carrying the fleas (e.g. another cat, dog, or smaller animals such as squirrel or bird). Cats living in hot and humid climates have higher and more severe instances of flea infestations.

Symptoms of Fleas in Cats

The symptoms of flea infestations include severe itching, red raised spots on the cat’s skin, the presence of flea feces (also known as ‘flea dirt’) on the cat’s skin, seeing the fleas on the cats, or the diagnosis of a flea related medical condition such as tape worms (spread by ingesting fleas).

Treating Fleas in Cats

Treatment for flea infestations includes topical pesticides which kill fleas in most stages of life, medicated shampoos which kill the fleas, or applications which help to reduce flea populations or repel the fleas. The cat’s environment including bedding and housing should also be cleaned or replaced and treated for flea infestations as well.

Outlook for Cats with Fleas

The outlook for flea infestations in cats is good particularly due to the effectiveness of monthly topical treatments such as Frontline or Advantage. However, kittens, older cats, and cats with underlying medical conditions are at an increased risk for developing life threatening anemia if flea infestations are severe. If these infestations are not addressed in a timely manner for higher risk cat groups, fleas can be fatal.