Indeed, it’s no typo; fleas on cats occur much more frequently than lice, and they are entirely different parasites. Fleas are wingless insects that can be seen with the naked eye, as they reach up to 2 mm in length. They resemble small, flat yellow-brown spiders and are parasites. They settle on the skin and fur of animals, holding onto the skin with their hook-like limbs. Eggs are attached to the hairs, and adult individuals wander on the cat’s skin, contributing to its irritation. They bite into the skin of their „host” with their mouthparts, gnawing at the epidermis, bodily fluids, and pieces of fur. It is worth noting that there are over 700 species of fleas, and their largest invasion occurs in the fall and winter.
They live on the host’s body for about 10 months. They can also change hosts, but if they fail to find a new one within 10 days, they die.
Fleas Cause Flea Infestation and Are Intermediate Hosts for Tapeworms.
In cats infested with fleas, flea infestation may develop. It manifests as anxiety and intense skin itching. The cat scratches and licks itself intensely. Often its appetite also decreases. Localized hair loss and dandruff may appear on the skin. If the cat continues to scratch, unpleasant wounds may also develop. This, in turn, can lead to bacterial infections and inflammations. It is important to know that fleas are intermediate hosts for tapeworms. Since cats are very particular about hygiene, swallowing a flea results in the development of a tapeworm in their intestines. Fleas often attack long-haired cats as their fur provides an ideal habitat for them. They have plenty of keratin and shedding skin here. Unlike lice, fleas cannot transfer to humans or even other species. Cat fleas parasitize on cats, and dog fleas on dogs. However, humans can become infected with tapeworms in this way, which is related to kissing a cat or dog or petting an infected cat and then consuming food. Skin infested with fleas can and should be treated. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately take your kitty to the veterinarian, who will prescribe an appropriate aerosol or topical treatment.
Persistent scratching and fur biting should be a warning signal for all cat owners. It is important to remember that these parasites attack weakened, older, or ailing cats. After eliminating fleas, all areas where the cat has been should be thoroughly cleaned, remembering that fleas can live for up to 10 days away from the host, looking for a new one. Therefore, proper hygiene and cleaning of the house is very important. It is worthwhile to strengthen the cat’s immunity to make it less susceptible to flea attacks. Appropriate preparations or strengthening ingredients should be given, especially to sick and older cats. Fleas can also be fought, and due to the possibility of tapeworm development, their appearance should not be underestimated, and appropriate treatment for the cat must be implemented.