Can Fleas Kill My Cat?

Fleas are small parasitic insects that live on the bodies of cats and other mammals. They feed on blood to survive and can multiply rapidly. They look like small black dots, and can lay 20-30 eggs per day. They can also transmit diseases to humans. Luckily, fleas are very easy to prevent, as long as you know what to look for.

Fleas live on warm, humid environments. They can survive temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. However, they are not very long-lived when temperatures fall below that. In colder climates, they may move into homes. In such a case, you should immediately treat your pet for fleas, and make sure there is no way to re-infest the home.

Fortunately, there are several different types of flea treatments available. Some are topical, while others are a liquid that is sprayed onto the skin. Topical products can kill adult fleas, but their effect only lasts a few hours. Powders and shampoos, on the other hand, can kill fleas on contact, but have little lasting effect.

Fortunately, cats rarely die from fleas. As long as you follow the recommendations of your veterinarian, fleas can be safely eliminated from your cat’s body.