Fleas on Cats: How to Spot Them and Treat Your Home Too

Short answer: many cats with fleas show no obvious signs and live fleas are hard to see, so look for scratching, rough or patchy fur and "flea dirt" (tiny dark specks) near the base of the tail and lower back. Most of the flea population lives in your home, not on your cat, so treat every pet on the same day, treat the home too, and never use a dog flea product or a household spray on a cat: permethrin is extremely toxic to cats.

Signs your cat may have fleas

According to PDSA, some cats show no symptoms at all, and live fleas are uncommon to spot. Look for:

• scratching more than usual, or nibbling at the back end
• bald patches or rough, spiky fur
• sore or infected skin, bites or a rash
• flea dirt, often on the lower back

How to check

PDSA suggests parting the fur around the lower back, the base of the tail and the back end, and looking for flea dirt. Checking regularly is also part of prevention. If you are unsure what you are seeing, ask your vet practice.

Why the home matters

PDSA explains that fleas are most common between April and September, and that cats can pick them up from other animals, the outdoors, or from shoes and clothing that bring them into the house. About 95% of an infestation is in the home rather than on the cat: the page estimates that 50 fleas on a cat could mean around 1,000 fleas and eggs in the house, and eggs can survive for up to a year. This is why treating the cat alone often fails.

Why fleas are more than an itch

• Flea allergy and skin disease can follow bites.
• Anaemia from blood loss can affect kittens.
• Worms: fleas can spread worms, which is why PDSA recommends worming your cat at the same time as flea treatment.
• Fleas cannot live on people but can bite, typically around the ankles or arms.

Treatment: what PDSA recommends

1. Call your vet practice. A prescription product from your vet is preferred. If that is not possible, PDSA suggests using an NFA-VPS product, because off-the-shelf products often contain less effective ingredients.
2. Treat all pets on the same day: every cat, dog and rabbit in the home.
3. Treat the home with a household flea spray made for the purpose (never on the cat).
4. Worm your cat at the same time.
5. Ask about skin problems: some cats need treatment for sores or irritation.

An important warning about permethrin

PDSA warns never to use a dog flea treatment or a household flea spray on a cat. Many contain permethrin, which is extremely toxic to cats (and to fish and birds). If your cat has been exposed, contact your vet immediately. Always read the label to check the product is made for cats and for your cat's weight, and keep treated cats away from fish tanks and bird cages as directed.

Prevention

• Treat all pets as often as your vet advises, based on the product used.
• Treat your home for fleas once a year.
• Vacuum regularly and wash pet bedding at 60°C.
• Only allow flea-free pets into the home.
• Check pets regularly for flea dirt.
• Speak to your vet before buying a flea collar, since many do not work well. PDSA also notes that flea shampoo is generally poor at killing fleas.

Good routine care helps you notice problems early. Our guides to trimming claws and dental care include hands-on checks you can combine with a monthly flea check.

When to see a vet

PDSA advises calling your vet practice if you suspect fleas. If your cat has had a recent check-up you may be able to collect a flea product without an appointment, but if your cat has not been examined in a while, or has skin problems from fleas, book an appointment. Kittens, very small or old cats and cats with pale gums or lethargy need prompt advice.

Quick checklist

• Part the fur and check for flea dirt, especially near the tail base.
• Treat all pets the same day, and the house too.
• Use only cat-safe products, ideally from your vet. Never use dog products.
• Wash bedding at 60°C, vacuum often, repeat the routine as your vet advises.

Keep reading

• Cat straining to pee: urinary problems and blockage emergencies
• Cat vomiting: when it is normal and when to call the vet
• Cat dental care: signs of dental disease
• How to trim your cat's claws at home
• Preventative care for Ragdolls
• The complete hygiene checklist for American Curls

Sources

• PDSA: Fleas on cats