Do Fleas Stay on Cats?
WouterThe first question you may have is, “Do fleas stay on cats?” It may seem counterintuitive because fleas are insects and they do not live on humans. However, fleas are small blood sucking insects that live off the blood of a cat host. These insects are small and flat, about one eighth of an inch long. They will enter a home on your shoes, clothes, or cat’s fur and begin to reproduce within 24 hours.
One of the best options for controlling fleas is a topical flea treatment. This type of treatment will kill adult fleas within a few hours after application. Another method is to use flea shampoos or powders. These methods will kill adult fleas but will have limited lasting effects.
Another method of checking for fleas is to use a flea comb. Using a flea comb over a white surface will reveal the presence of fleas. The dirt left behind by fleas is the fleas’ digested blood. This blood will dissolve when wiped with a damp cotton wool. The blood marks that remain will be reddish brown.
Another way of identifying fleas on cats is to examine their life cycle. Fleas have an interesting life cycle that involves feeding on cats. They start by feeding on blood immediately after they land. Then, they develop into larvae and pupae. Once they reach adulthood, they can infest a cat within a week.
