How Common Are Fleas on Cats?

The first question to ask yourself when you notice fleas on your cat is: how long are they on your pet? Fleas live for a week or more, and the duration depends on the species. They develop from an egg to an adult flea during their entire life cycle. Female fleas lay up to 50 eggs per day, which hatch within two to five days. Flea eggs are tiny, pearly white ovals. They are a few millimeters long and resemble the smallest worms on earth. Once they hatch, they move into the fibers of your cat’s fur and carpet.

Fleas have a life cycle similar to that of human fleas. The first step in their life cycle is to find a host. After finding a host, female fleas will begin to lay eggs. Eggs are carried into a home via cat fur, shoes, and clothing. After the eggs hatch, the larvae will start reproducing and causing problems for their host.

Once an infestation has started, fleas can quickly multiply and cause skin irritation and itchy spots. Fleas can also cause dermatitis, an allergic reaction resulting in red, scabbed skin. Your cat may even start scratching excessively, especially around the legs, and will develop a crust over those areas.