Can Fleas Eat a Cat Alive?
WouterFleas are very common, but rarely do they kill a cat. They are a nuisance, and they can get into carpets and your clothing, causing itchiness and uncleanliness. It is very rare for a flea to actually eat a cat alive, but they are a definite risk for young kittens, old cats, and cats with pre-existing conditions.
The life cycle of a flea is typically completed within 20 to 35 days. This period of development is influenced by temperature and relative humidity. An ideal temperature for flea development is 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with 85 percent relative humidity. However, sustained temperatures below 55 degrees F will inhibit their development. Although fleas reproduce all year, their outdoor life is limited to warm weather months.
Fleas are attracted to things that move against a light background. They are excellent jumpers. They can jump as high as a foot if they sense warm air or carbon dioxide. They feed on the blood of their host animal, and can live up to three months on a single blood meal.
Fleas are parasitic and are usually found on your pet’s coat and skin. They can also infest your furniture and bed. Because they are so small, they are difficult to spot in a cat’s coat. Symptoms of an infestation include scratching and biting. Flea dirt is found at the base of the fur. Flea dirt looks like small black specks of grit, but it is actually digested blood. You can also find flea eggs in furniture, carpets, and even on humans.
