Fleas are a common problem for cats and their owners. Understanding what fleas look like and the colors they can appear is important for identifying and treating a flea infestation. Fleas come in a range of colors from black to reddish-brown. The color can depend on the species of flea as well as the stage of development. Fleas go through four life stages – egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The adults are the most visible and likely to be seen on a cat’s coat.
What Do Fleas Look Like?
Adult fleas are very small, wingless insects that live as external parasites on cats and other animals. They have flat, elongated bodies which allow them to move quickly through fur and hair. Fleas are laterally flattened which means they are wider from side to side than they are top to bottom. This shape allows them to easily move through the coat and makes it harder for the cat to dislodge them when grooming.
Adult fleas range in size from 1-3 mm (0.04-0.12 inches) long. Their bodies consist of three sections – head, thorax, and abdomen. They have a hard exoskeleton for protection. On their head are mouthparts designed for piercing skin and sucking blood. Their legs are adapted for jumping and clinging to the host. Powerful back legs allow fleas to jump up to 7 inches high, making them very mobile. They use their jumping ability to move quickly from host to host.
Flea Coloration
Fleas can appear dark brown to black in color. The exoskeleton has a smooth, shiny appearance. However, flea species and lifecycle stage influences the color that is seen:
- Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) – Most common on cats. Reddish-brown.
- Dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis) – More common on dogs. Dark brown.
- Human fleas (Pulex irritans) – Can infest cats and humans. Shiny black.
- Larvae – Tiny, white worm-like. Difficult to see in fur.
- Pupae – Contained in a cocoon. Whitish-tan.
Additionally, fleas that have recently fed will appear a more vivid or bright red color. This is due to the blood meal consumed showing through the thinner exoskeleton of the abdomen.
Fleas will also look darker against the cat’s skin versus on a white surface. So a flea may appear lighter brown when combed off onto a paper towel but look dark against the skin when crawling through the fur.
Where are Fleas Commonly Found on Cats?
Fleas will live all over a cat’s body but are often concentrated in particular areas. Places to check thoroughly include:
- Head – Around ears, eyes, and mouth.
- Neck – Especially around the chin, jaw, and behind ears.
- Groin
- Tail Head
- Under Legs
- Armpits
Fleas gravitate to warmer areas with thinner fur which provide easier access to the skin for feeding. When checking for fleas, look closely at the skin by spreading the fur. Flea dirt, which is digested blood excreted by the fleas, may also be visible in these areas.
Signs of Fleas in Cats
Aside from actually seeing fleas crawling on the skin, other symptoms can indicate their presence. Signs to look for include:
- Excessive scratching or grooming
- “Flea allergy dermatitis” – patchy hair loss, redness, papules, and crusty sores from an allergic reaction to flea saliva
- Tapeworm segments in the stool (tapeworm eggs are ingested by fleas then transmitted to cats)
- Flea dirt – tiny black specks of digested blood deposited on fur and skin
- Anemia – in cases of severe infestation
Cats who go outside are more likely to pick up fleas, but indoor cats can also get them from other pets or sources. Prevention and prompt treatment is key for minimizing flea problems.
Preventing and Treating Fleas in Cats
There are many effective flea control products for cats available. Some common options include:
| Type | Examples | How They Work |
|---|---|---|
| Oral medications | Nexgard, Bravecto | Given monthly, ingested medication spreads to skin and kills fleas via bloodstream. |
| Topical spot-ons | Frontline, Advantage II | Applied to back of neck monthly, spreads over body via oils on skin. |
| Flea collars | Seresto | Collar worn continuously releases insecticide over ~8 months. |
| Flea sprays | Vet’s Best, Adams | Applied to coat, kills fleas on contact for immediate but shorter-term control. |
Other ways to prevent fleas include:
- Regular vacuuming and washing of bedding
- Grooming to remove eggs and dirt
- Treating home and yard
- Treating other pets
Consult a veterinarian about the best flea control options for an individual cat. Prompt treatment is important not just for relief from the parasites but also reducing the risk of diseases they can transmit.
Conclusion
Fleas are a nuisance but common issue for pet cats. Their flattened bodies allow them to navigate quickly through fur and infest cats. Flea species and lifecycle stage influences color, but they typically appear dark brown to black. Check warmer areas with thin fur to identify them. Prevention with vet-recommended products and thorough cleaning is key to protect cats from these blood-sucking parasites.
With an understanding of flea identification, behavior, and control, cat owners can stay vigilant and minimize the risks posed by these pests. Keeping fleas in check will help keep cats healthy, comfortable, and happy.
