How to Tell if a Cat Has Fleas (and What to Do About It)

PDF download Download Article
Common symptoms of fleas on cats and kittens
PDF download Download Article

If your cat has been scratching themselves excessively, they may have fleas. If you want to know for sure, look for fleas, eggs, and feces by closely examining their fur and skin. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know to properly check cats for fleas. Plus, learn common symptoms of fleas, how to treat and prevent infestations on your pet and in your home, whether fleas are dangerous to cats, and get answers to other common questions about checking cats for fleas.

How do you check if a cat has fleas?

Part the cat’s fur and look for adult fleas, eggs, and droppings, then use a flea comb to trap any fleas or eggs you find. Additionally, look for other symptoms, like hair loss, skin irritation, and crusty bumps. If your cat is grooming or scratching themselves more frequently, they may have an infestation.

Section 1 of 7:

How to Check a Cat for Fleas

PDF download Download Article
  1. Hold or secure your cat in a way that’s most comfortable for both of you. Run your fingers through your cat’s fur and part it so you can see the skin underneath. Examine their fur and skin closely to look for fleas or other signs of infestation, like skin irritation, hair loss, or crusty bumps. Check your cat’s entire body, paying special attention to their belly and the base of their tail. [1]
    • A great way to secure your cat is by setting them on a white sheet or pillowcase. The white fabric will allow you to see any fleas or flea dirt you might dislodge.
    • Fleas are dark brown, wingless insects about 1-2 mm in length. They may jump away as you work.
  2. With a flea comb , brush your cat from head to tail, examining the fur and exposed skin as you work. The flea comb will catch and trap fleas, flea eggs, and flea dirt that are in your cat’s coat. Pay particular attention to the back of the neck, the base of the tail, and the insides of your cat’s legs. [2]
    • Be sure to use a flea comb and not a regular pet comb. Flea combs are specifically designed to trap fleas because the comb’s teeth are so close together the fleas cannot escape.
    Advertisement
  3. Even if you don't find jumping fleas, you may find flea eggs , which resemble grains of salt or sand, or flea dirt (excrement), which resembles black pepper. To determine if a fleck is flea dirt or just regular dirt, place it on a damp paper towel. Flea excrement contains blood, so it will turn red when wet. [3]
    • If you notice this flea excrement, or flea dirt, there are fleas somewhere on your cat.
  4. There are several reasons that fleas might contribute to your cat’s hair loss . Your cat may scratch their fur a lot because they’re irritated by the constant biting, or they may be allergic to flea saliva, which irritates the skin and causes extra scratching. [4]
    • Your cat may be allergic to something other than fleas. If you don't find fleas but your cat is still constantly scratching, take them to the vet.
  5. If your cat is sensitive to fleas, they may have an allergic reaction. [5] Even cats that are not allergic will experience irritation and itching from individual bites. This triggers excessive grooming behavior. Your cat may clean itself so often and thoroughly that it removes patches of hair and some adult fleas, which is why it’s possible for your cat to have an infestation even if you can’t find them.
    • It may also be harder to spot fleas since they hop onto the cat to feed and then hop off again.
    6. Advertisement
Section 2 of 7:

Symptoms of Fleas on Cats

PDF download Download Article
  1. Signs of flea infestation will be different depending on your cat’s health, the number of fleas on the cat, and other individual factors. However, if you notice your cat scratching or biting itself more than usual, it’s probably a sign it has fleas. In addition to physical signs of fleas, like fleas jumping or the presence of eggs or flea dirt, here are some other signs to look out for: [6]
    • Small bumps or crusts, usually on the neck and along the back
    • Skin irritation, especially on the back of the neck and base of the tail
    • An increase in hairballs (because of excess grooming)
    • Passing tapeworms in the stool (Fleas carry tapeworm eggs, which cats ingest and pass)
    • In extreme cases, signs of anemia, like lethargy, pale gums, and muscle loss
  2. Your cat may suddenly avoid rooms they used to enjoy, especially if those rooms are carpeted and are harboring fleas. An infested cat may also appear restless or edgy and may even start growling or shaking their head a lot. Your cat may be trying to get rid of the fleas . [7]
    • Some cats may be more sensitive to flea bites and will appear more bothered than others. They may develop strange behaviors because they are uncomfortable.
    3. Advertisement
Section 3 of 7:

Flea Treatment Options for Cats

PDF download Download Article
  1. Flea treatment pills are available from a veterinarian’s office. [8] They vary in terms of how they work and how long they last, but many start killing adult fleas in just 30 minutes. These are not usually available over-the-counter, however, so you must see a vet for a prescription.
  2. Topical or spot-on flea treatments are popular because they’re easy to use and can be very effective. Follow the instructions on the package to apply your product correctly, but in general, you’ll apply a small amount of liquid on your cat’s neck where they can’t lick it off. Many topical flea treatments are available over-the-counter. [9]
  3. Cats can receive an injection to prevent flea eggs, and therefore future infestations, but these injections do not kill existing adult fleas. Usually, these are used alongside topical treatments to get rid of fleas in all life stages. Ask your vet to learn more about your options. [10]
  4. There are a variety of flea collars on the market. Some work well, others don’t work at all, and some may be toxic to your cat. Therefore, it’s important to talk with your vet to choose the one that will work best. Many flea collars are available over-the-counter. [11]
  5. These are rarely recommended for cats, as they usually only work for a short amount of time and aren’t effective for long-term control. Your cat may also ingest them, which could be dangerous. If you’re considering using a flea shampoo, powder, or spray, be sure to talk to your vet first to find one that is safe and effective. [12]
    6. Advertisement
Section 4 of 7:

Getting Rid of & Preventing Fleas

PDF download Download Article
  1. There are many prescription and over-the-counter flea preventative treatments that are safe and extremely effective. Some kill adult fleas, while others prevent juvenile fleas from maturing and help stop future infestations. Talk with your vet to determine which treatment is the best option for your cat, and follow their instructions to apply the treatment correctly. Never give your cat any flea medication meant for dogs, as these often contain ingredients that are harmful to cats. [13]
  2. If you have other pets, give them a flea treatment as well, even if they haven’t shown any symptoms. Fleas easily hop from one host to another, so you must make sure all of your pets are flea-free to prevent another infestation. As with your cat, talk to your vet to find the best treatment for your other pets. [14]
  3. If your pet has fleas, your home does, too. To successfully get rid of and prevent flea infestations, vacuum all your carpets, rugs, and upholstery every day. Wash all of your bedding, linens, pet beds, and any other areas where your cat spends a lot of time in hot water to kill any fleas . [15]
    • Thoroughly clean or replace any cat trees, as well.
    • When you’re done vacuuming, be sure to throw away the vacuum bag in an outside dumpster so the fleas can’t get back out.
    • Consider putting a flea collar in your vacuum bag or canister to kill any fleas that you vacuum up.
    • If you have a flea infestation you can’t seem to get rid of, call pest control.
  4. Fleas come into your home from the outdoors. [16] Because they prefer dark, moist areas, keeping your lawn mowed can discourage them from living on your property. Trim back your plants, especially those that grow near your house, and board up crawl spaces or areas under your patio to keep animals that carry fleas away from your home.
    5. Advertisement
Section 5 of 7:

Are fleas dangerous to cats?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Flea bites are painful and can negatively affect your cat’s health. Excessive scratching can lead to skin problems and cause your cat a lot of stress and discomfort. Fleas can also transmit tapeworms, and in severe cases, can cause anemia in cats, which may lead to death. Kittens and elderly cats are more likely to develop anemia from flea infestations. [17]
    • Signs of anemia include lethargy or extreme tiredness, pale gums, and muscle loss. If you suspect your cat is anemic, take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Section 6 of 7:

How Cats Get Fleas

PDF download Download Article
  1. Even if you have an indoor-only cat, it’s still possible for them to get fleas. Fleas may enter your home through open doors or windows, but most often hitch a ride on another animal, like a dog or another pet. Cats may also get fleas from new environments and wildlife, such as birds, rabbits, raccoons, etc. [18]
    • Fleas also multiply rapidly, so if even one gets in your home, it could lead to an infestation.
    2. Advertisement
Section 7 of 7:

Checking Cats for Fleas FAQs

PDF download Download Article
  1. Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) are the most common type of domestic flea and feed on the blood of any warm-blooded animals, like cats and dogs. They’re dark brown and about 1-2 mm in length, and their eggs are a white oval shape, about 0.5 mm long. [19]
  2. Kittens do not always have itchy skin like adult cats do when they have a flea problem. Because their bodies are so small, kittens are susceptible to anemia due to blood loss from fleas. Look for signs like pale gums, lethargy, weakness, decreased appetite, and collapse. If you suspect your kitten has fleas, take it to the vet as soon as possible. [20]
  3. Fleas can’t live on humans, but they can bite us. If your cat has fleas, your home will also be infested. You may notice itchy bite marks on your legs or arms. If the skin irritation worries you, contact your doctor and seek to remove the flea infestation immediately. [21]
  4. The fastest way to kill fleas on a cat is to bathe the cat with warm water and Dawn dish soap . If you don’t want to tackle giving your cat a bath, another option is to give them an oral flea treatment, like Capstar. This treatment will start to kill adult fleas in 30 minutes, but you’ll need to use a topical treatment to kill fleas in other life stages, as it does not get rid of eggs or larvae. [22]
  5. Some flea collars are very effective, but some don’t work well at all. If you’re thinking about getting a flea collar for your cat, talk to your vet first to find one that will work well. Flea shampoos can kill some fleas but are not generally considered a good treatment, as they likely won’t remove all the fleas and do not prevent re-infestation. [23]
  6. If you’re looking for a natural flea treatment, you may be tempted to use essential oils, like citronella or eucalyptus. However, this is not recommended, as these oils are toxic to cats. [24] These treatments also haven’t undergone any stringent safety or efficacy tests, so they may not even work. It’s best to talk to your vet about getting treatment for your cat.
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can fleas be passed on to people from a cat?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Cat fleas don't live on people, and the latter don't become infested in the same ways cats and dogs. People do get bitten by fleas, but by accident. However, some people are allergic to flea saliva, which is why they can become so itchy and uncomfortable.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 21 Helpful 106
  • Question
    A week ago I adopted a 6-month old kitten infested with fleas. He's been in the washroom in isolation. He's had Frontline Plus applied to his neck, and had three doses of Capstar. When can I let him loose in the home?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Anytime from now onwards is fine. Capstar has a rapid kill effect and will knock dead any fleas on the cat that day. Frontline takes longer to kill the fleas but it has a longer persistence of activity — around four weeks. Thus, any fleas that he originally bought in with him should be well and truly dead by now.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 37 Helpful 81
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Tips

      • Fleas are the most common cause of feline skin disease and are typically the easiest to diagnose and treat.
        Thanks
        Helpful 14 Not Helpful 2
      • Consider asking your veterinarian about treating your cat for tapeworms if your pet has had fleas.
        Thanks
        Helpful 16 Not Helpful 3
      • If you live in a flea-endemic area, make sure you use a preventative treatment on your cat to avoid flea infestation.
        Thanks
        Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • If your cat has fleas, you're at risk for being bitten by fleas.
        Thanks
        Helpful 79 Not Helpful 24
      • Fleas can cause blood-loss anemia, especially in kittens, and spread diseases, including typhus-like Rickettsia and Bartonella. They also spread tapeworms and cause skin irritation. [25]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Flea pupae can remain dormant for several months. Once you notice a flea problem, use a preventative treatment on your cat and thoroughly clean your home to prevent future infestations.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Check Cats for Worms
      How to
      Identify Worms in a Cat
      How to
      Treat Lice in Cats
      How to
      Deworm Cats
      How to
      Get Rid of Ear Mites in a Cat
      How to
      Treat Tapeworm in Cats
      How to
      Deworm Your Kitten at Home
      How to
      Treat Fleas in Young Kittens and Nursing Mothers
      How to
      Identify and Treat Warbles in Cats
      How to
      Apply Advantage to Cats
      How to
      Get Rid of Worms in Cats
      How to
      Kill Fleas and Ticks on Cats
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fleas
      2. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/fleas-source-torment-your-cat
      3. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fleas
      4. ↑ https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/fleas
      5. ↑ https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/fleas
      6. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/fleas-source-torment-your-cat
      7. ↑ https://www.thepetvet.co.uk/pet-advice/fleas-cats-symptoms-look-out
      8. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fleas#treating-your-pet-for-fleas
      9. ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/how-get-rid-fleas-ncna1262654
      1. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/vet/program-6-month-injectable-for-cats.html
      2. ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/how-get-rid-fleas-ncna1262654
      3. ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/how-get-rid-fleas-ncna1262654
      4. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/fleas-source-torment-your-cat
      5. ↑ https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/fleas
      6. ↑ https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/fleas
      7. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/fleas-and-ticks
      8. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/fleas-source-torment-your-cat
      9. ↑ https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/health/fleas
      10. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/fleas-source-torment-your-cat
      11. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/fleas-source-torment-your-cat
      12. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fleas
      13. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/pro/capstar.html
      14. ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/cat/health-and-injuries/cat-and-kitten-flea-treatment-advice
      15. ↑ https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/eucalyptus/
      16. ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/fleas-source-torment-your-cat

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To check a cat for fleas, drape a white sheet over your lap and set your cat on it. Then, comb your cat with a flea comb while visually checking for fleas, which are small and brown. Some of them may jump off onto the cloth while others will get stuck in the comb or remain on the cat. Even if you don’t see fleas, check your cat and the cloth for flea eggs and feces, which look like salt and pepper. For advice from our Veterinary reviewer on symptoms and treatments for fleas, read more!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 483,269 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Rose Tozier

        Apr 7, 2018

        "This review answered so many questions I had and more! Symptoms and side effects I never knew existed. Like a ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement