Health
9 signs your cat has fleas
How can you tell if your cat has fleas? We’ll reveal the main symptoms so you can take the right steps to get rid of them.
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Yes, cats are probably one of the cleanest creatures on earth and can spend hours grooming themselves. But don’t think that this constant exercise will help keep your cat flea-free.
Believe it or not, cats are twice as likely as dogs to have fleas, it’s just that their grooming habits make these parasites much harder to detect.
Beware! Indoor cats aren’t safe from external parasites either. Fleas can enter or be present in your home without you noticing. If you’re wondering how to tell if your cat has fleas, keep reading: here are 9 signs that indicate your cat might have fleas.
Table of Contents:
- Excessive grooming
- Development of redness on the skin or bumps similar to scabies
- State of weakness or the gums turn pale
- Weight loss
- Avoid areas of the house
- High anxiety level
- You detect black, pepper-like specks in its bed
- Appearance of black, pepper-like bumps on the skin
- Visualisation of black or red insects on your skin
1. Excessive grooming
One of the first signs that your cat has fleas is a change in its grooming habits. You’ll notice that grooming becomes more of an extreme sport than a relaxing pastime. Even so, remember that even if your cat is an expert at self-grooming, it’s not enough to prevent it from getting fleas.
Excessive licking, scratching, or biting of the cat often leads to increased hair loss, causing bald patches on the back of the legs, neck, or base of the tail. So, if you notice even the slightest change in your cat’s behavior, check its skin for fleas .
2. Development of redness on the skin or bumps similar to scabies
When a flea bites a cat, it pierces its skin like a needle to feed. The saliva it injects can cause an allergic reaction in your cat. Depending on the animal, the reaction may be subtle, but in others it is severe, with the skin becoming red and inflamed. If you notice lesions, redness, or scab-like bumps on the skin, it’s important to see your veterinarian to reduce the inflammation and prevent infection.
3. State of weakness or the gums become pale
In extreme cases, a cat can lose a lot of blood due to anaemia caused by a flea infestation . This is more common among young kittens. If the infestation is severe, it can affect cats of any age. If you notice your cat becoming pale, consult your veterinarian.
4. Weight loss
One of the dangers associated with fleas on cats is that they can transmit other parasites. For example, if your cat eats a flea infected with tapeworms, the tapeworm will attach to your cat’s intestinal wall to feed and develop inside its body.
Tapeworms don’t usually cause visible symptoms of illness in cats, but they pose a health risk, especially if you have young children at home. Consult your veterinarian for a recommendation on the appropriate flea control treatment to keep your pet and your family protected.
5. Avoid certain areas of the house
Cats are intelligent and know how to avoid pests, especially fleas . Fleas thrive in environments with temperatures between 18-27°C and humidity levels between 75-80%, conditions that are present in our homes year-round. Flea eggs and larvae are commonly found in carpets, under baseboards, and on furniture. Your cat will have no trouble figuring out where they hide and will avoid those areas.
So, take note and pay attention. It’s important to vacuum frequently and make sure it’s clean so fleas don’t breed inside. If you find fleas , wash your cat’s blankets and bedding in hot water. Remember that their juvenile forms can remain dormant for months.
6. High anxiety level
Fleas can drive anyone crazy. The constant bites and resulting itching and irritation can cause a change in your cat’s behavior. If you notice your cat becoming aggressive, irritable, fussy, or frantic, it may have fleas. Keep a close eye on its fur and skin, and visit your veterinarian .
7. You detect black, pepper-like specks in their bed
Those are flea droppings ! If you see them on the blankets, sofas, and bed where your cat usually rests, consult your veterinarian to find out what measures you should take to get rid of these annoying parasites and keep them out of your home.
8. Appearance of black, pepper-like bumps in the hair
You’re right, those little black specks can also be flea droppings . It’s one of the most common signs that your cat has fleas. When a flea bites your cat, its faeces, containing digested blood, can appear on your cat’s skin and on its comb or brush. These little black specks are similar to a peppercorn. Take a sample, place it on a white towel or paper towel, and spray it with water. If it turns red, it’s likely flea droppings . Ask your veterinarian how to manage flea infestations in your home.
9. Seeing black or red insects on your skin
If you see this, you’re seeing fleas ! If your pet has a severe infestation, you might see them or their eggs in their fur. They usually move very quickly.
They are located on the lower back, hind legs, and stomach, so we recommend that you check these areas carefully.
If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian, who will recommend the appropriate treatment for your cat. Remember, fleas in the environment are very resilient and can remain dormant for months before infesting your cat or other family members.
To eliminate fleas, it’s necessary to treat them with an effective treatment for at least 12 weeks without interruption. It’s not only important to eliminate existing fleas but also to prevent them. Don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian! #MyPet
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