How do I know if my cat has fleas?
A classic symptom of flea infestation is itching. Of course, every cat grooms itself and scratches from time to time. But if you notice that your pet is scratching constantly, this could be a sign of fleas. Itching can also have many other causes, which you should definitely have checked by a vet. Other signs of fleas include restless behavior, excessive grooming, or reddish skin patches.
Flea comb test helps detect fleas
The so-called flea comb test is a simple way to find out if your cat has fleas. For this, you need a flea comb (an old lice comb or regular brush will also work), white kitchen paper, some water and, of course, your cat.
Comb the fur thoroughly, especially on the lower back and base of the tail.
Tap the comb over the white paper towel and moisten it with a little water.
If you now see black specks that turn red when rubbed with a little water, this is a clear sign of flea infestation. These specks are digested blood that the fleas excrete.
What are fleas anyway?
Fleas are insects and so-called ectoparasites that feed on blood. They have strong jumping legs and can leap up to half a meter. The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) does not only infest cats. It also feels at home on many other host animals, including humans. The problem is that the females lay several hundred eggs in just a few weeks. These fall out of the fur quite quickly and spread throughout the environment.
Where did my cat get fleas?
Your home is clean and your cat grooms itself regularly – so where did it pick up fleas? Most of the time, fleas are brought in from outside. If your feline friend is an outdoor cat, there's a good chance it will come into contact with fleas. Visiting four-legged friends can also bring in fleas. These little crawlers are not host-specific, so dog fleas can jump onto your cat and vice versa.
But we ourselves can also bring fleas into the house on our shoes or clothing. That's why you should also consider fleas if your indoor cat is itching.
"Just" a little flea bite?
You might be wondering if a flea infestation is really a big problem. When a flea bites your pet, the skin is injured and the flea releases saliva and substances that prevent blood clotting (so-called anticoagulants). This causes itching and skin inflammation. Some cats are allergic to the saliva of these crawlers and show severe symptoms even with a minor flea infestation.
Fleas can also transmit pathogens such as tapeworms or caliciviruses, to your cat. Because fleas suck blood, especially very small and young kittens can even develop anemia (a shortage of red blood cells), which in the worst case can be life-threatening.
Fleas don't stop at humans either, and these little crawlers can be transmitted from your cat to you. So flea infestations should never be taken lightly.
What can I do if my cat has fleas?
If you and your vet have determined that your pet has fleas, you'll find a solution together. There are various medications for treating fleas, which you can use as a spot-on, spray, or tablet. Please never use the same anti-flea products for your dog and your cat, unless the product is approved for both. Some active ingredients, such as permethrin, are great for dogs. But in cats, they unfortunately cause severe side effects because they lack the enzyme needed to metabolize them.
In addition to treating your cat, you should definitely also treat your home. That's because the largest part of a flea infestation—50%—is made up of flea eggs. These are mainly spread throughout the environment and hide in all nooks and crevices. So it's very important to treat not only your cat but also the environment to truly get rid of all fleas.
So for you, that means:
All textiles your pet comes into contact with should be washed, if possible, at 60°C.
Think about where your cat spends a lot of time (bed, scratching post) and clean everything you can't wash.
Vacuum your home several times thoroughly, especially all corners and crevices, as well as carpets, sofa, and bed.
There are many products available in pet stores, so-called insecticides against fleas. Get advice and make sure the product is effective against all stages of development. With this, you and your cat will hopefully be able to overcome the flea infestation quickly.
Can I prevent flea infestation?
Good news: Yes, you can. As you've just read, treating fleas is tedious and only successful with proper environmental treatment. So it's better not to get fleas in the first place. There are many different products for flea prevention with different durations of effectiveness. Get veterinary advice to find the right product for your cat.
As a little tip: A great way to distract your cat while you apply anti-flea treatments is our →Cream Snacks.
