How Small Are Fleas on Cats?
WouterCat fleas are tiny parasites that live off the body of cats. They feed on the feces and other body fluids of their hosts. The flea egg hatches after two to fourteen days. The flea larvae are about one-fourth of an inch long and have no eyes or legs. They grow and develop by molting. They can lay up to 800 eggs in their lifetime. Adult fleas can live up to eight years.
Adult fleas are less than one eighth of an inch long and are brown or reddish in color. They are wingless, flat, and have a slender, tubular sucking snout. Fleas on cats are extremely tiny, so you’re unlikely to see them on your cat. However, you can find them in the fur on your cat if you notice flea dirt on your cat’s skin.
If your cat has a history of fleas, you should consider a preventative treatment. A vet can recommend a topical medication for flea prevention. Another option is to apply liquid medication directly to the skin of your cat. This medication will absorb into the cat’s skin and protect the entire body. However, oral medications may not be suitable for some pet parents.
Fleas reproduce indoors year-round and outdoors during warm months. Their preferred temperature and humidity conditions help them grow and develop. A typical flea life cycle takes anywhere from one to two months to mature. Once mature, fleas can live for up to 50 days on their host. A good flea control regimen will kill both the adult fleas and prevent them from reinfesting their hosts.
