How Common Are Fleas in Cats?

If you are unsure whether your cat has fleas, you should first check his coat for flea dirt. Flea dirt looks like small, reddish specks, and the feces is black, pepper-like. If you see any of these specks, you have likely found fleas. It is easy to spot fleas if you use a flea comb.

Fleas live throughout the year, but they increase significantly during the spring and early summer months. This time of year is ideal for larval development. Fleas can survive up to 50 days on their host, but their numbers are often at their highest in this period. It is important to get treatment for fleas early in the spring and early summer, when temperatures are warmer.

Flea treatment options vary depending on the type of infestation. A topical flea spray, like Revolution, can kill adult fleas and prevent new ones from coming on to your cat. These treatments can last anywhere from four to 12 weeks, and they are recommended by veterinarians. You can also use prescription oral flea preventatives, which come in chewable form.

Cats and dogs are two of the most common hosts for fleas. Adult fleas are less than one-eighth inch long. They have a red-brown color and are wingless. They have a genal and pronotal comb, and their mouth parts are designed to take blood from their hosts.