Does My Cat Have Fleas?

You might wonder, “Does my cat have fleas?” It’s hard to tell because fleas move so fast. However, regular checks of your cat’s skin can help you detect fleas. You should focus on hot spot areas, including the head, tail, and back. You can also check your cat’s hair by combing it onto a wet tissue. Flea dirt is made up of undigested blood, and it dissolves when the hair is damp.

Fleas live in warm, moist areas of the cat’s body. These areas are usually covered in dirt and may not be easily visible. You may find flea dirt in places like the groin or armpits. It’s important to keep an eye out for flea dirt in these areas so you can treat the area immediately.

Fleas are very tiny (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) flat insects. They look dark brown or black when they’re in their eggs, but their color changes to a lighter color when they ingest blood. If your cat seems to be scratching excessively or licking its skin, fleas might be the culprit.

Fleas are hard to spot unless your cat is suffering from a severe infestation. Infested cats will scratch themselves excessively, scratching their bodies and ears. You may also notice excessive licking at their hair coat.