How Long Do Cat Fleas Live Without a Host?
WouterIf conditions are perfect, fleas can survive for as long as a year without a host. Their eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on organic debris for a few weeks before moving on to pupae. Then, they move into a cocoon, where they can survive for long periods of time without being seen. In other words, when you notice your cat fleas, it’s probably because the fleas are on hold.
After emerging from their cocoon, fleas count down until their first blood meal. Once out in the world, fleas’ metabolism speeds up. If the fleas don’t find blood immediately, they’ll die. However, some studies have shown that some fleas can survive for up to a week without a blood meal.
Cat fleas are able to survive without a host if they find a warm and dry place to live. The female flea begins laying eggs within two days of its first blood meal. Her egg laying rate varies, but it’s normal for her to lay at least 20 eggs per day. A flea can lay anywhere from 500 to 2,000 eggs during its lifetime. The eggs are laid in the pet’s fur and hatch after five to eleven days.
Adult fleas can live up to a week without a host. If they haven’t had a blood meal, they won’t be able to reproduce because their female reproductive system has not yet developed. They can even survive up to a month without a host if conditions are favorable, such as low humidity and low temperatures.
