Can Cat Fleas Live on Humans?

Cat fleas are tiny parasites that live and breed on cats. They feed on the blood of their hosts. They can survive for up to 24 hours in clothing if they get disturbed while feeding. In order to live and reproduce, the fleas need to have a constant blood supply. If they are not disturbed, they will feed at intervals.

However, the fleas are not completely harmless to humans and they will not reproduce on you unless you have a cat. Infestations are more common in houses with pets, and the fleas can live on any type of fabric. They can also live on clothing and other items brought into infested areas.

Cat fleas can transmit various diseases to humans. Their bites can lead to murine typhus and rickettsiosis. You might also come into contact with stray cats in hospital rooms, especially if you are a patient. They may hide in the area under a staircase, or near a cafeteria or kitchen. Even visitors and hospital staffs may carry fleas on their clothing.

Fortunately, it is possible to control the fleas with a variety of measures. Washing bedding, vacuuming, and spraying baseboards can help reduce the number of fleas on your property. Fleas can also be killed using oral liquids and pills. To be effective, you need to control the infestation as early as possible.