Can an Indoor Cat Get Fleas?
WouterIf you’re wondering, “Can an indoor cat get fleas?” then you’re not alone. This common parasitic insect prefers the domestic cat as its primary host. It is a different species from the well-known “dog” flea. Thankfully, there are many ways to prevent your indoor cat from contracting fleas.
You can detect flea infestation by looking for excessive scratching and licking. Flea dirt or feces are brown specks that appear on your cat’s fur. You can also check for fleas by rubbing a paper towel with your cat’s fur. Flea feces are made up of digested blood.
The best way to prevent your indoor cat from contracting fleas is to regularly check for fleas. While indoor cats are more likely to get fleas from an outdoor cat, they can also pick up fleas from other pets in your home. Fleas can be spread through clothing, bags, and used furniture. Fleas can also be carried indoors by rodents.
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that live on your cat and feed on its blood. They then lay their eggs in your cat’s fur and spread throughout your home. A single female flea can lay as many as 2,000 eggs in her lifetime. The entire flea life cycle can take several weeks. Fleas can also bite humans, most commonly on the lower legs and ankles.
