What it is
Only the adult fleas live on the cat; their eggs fall off, and the larvae develop in bedding, carpets and the gaps in furniture. That is why a cat that never leaves the house can have fleas too: a dog, other animals or people bring them in on their clothes.
Some cats become allergic to flea saliva, and then just a few bites are enough to make the skin itch badly and break out in tiny scabs. A cat can groom the fleas away so thoroughly that you find none, only the marks of the itch.
While grooming, a cat can swallow a flea carrying a tapeworm larva and pick up the worm. In a small kitten a heavy load of fleas can take so much blood that anaemia develops. Fleas can bite people too.
Signs you may notice
- Scratches and nibbles its coat
- Grooms too much
- Thinning fur near the tail
- Scabs on the neck and back
- Pale gums in a kitten
A cat scratches, nibbles at its coat and grooms a lot, especially at the base of the tail and on the neck, where scabs appear and the fur thins. Black specks show in the coat that turn reddish on damp paper.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if your cat keeps scratching, has developed scabs or is losing fur. If a kitten has pale gums or has turned listless, contact a vet the same day.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.