Although cat fleas are usually found on cats, they are actually a type of flea which can also feed off dogs.  They can also bite humans, however they cannot live off us.  The way you treat for cat fleas is the same as any other fleas, so for further information on this see the relevant section on flea treatment.  Also, fleas are so small and of such similar appearance that it is very difficult to tell the difference between them with the naked eye.

Cat fleas, like other fleas, lay their eggs on their host animal. However, the eggs do not grow there and instead fall off the fur, into the surrounding environment.  There the eggs go through three larval development stages and one pupal stage before emerging their cocoon as an adult flea.  For further information on this, see the piece, “Flea Lifecycle.”  The consequence of this is that if you just treat your pet for fleas, then even if you get rid of all of the fleas then there will still be many more developing in your pet’s bedding, the carpet and anywhere else your pet regularly roams, such as the garden.  Each female flea can lay up to fifty eggs in a day, meaning that it is vital to clean their living environment in any effective treatment.

The main choice you face in tackling cat fleas is what type of treatment to use – chemical or non chemical.  Although chemical treatments are more robust and are likely to produce more effective results quicker, there is always a danger that the chemicals themselves will do damage to your pet.  Also, the more that chemicals are used in the treatment of fleas, the more fleas will become resistant to them, and so stronger and stronger chemicals will need to be developed in order to effectively tackle them.  It is therefore best, if possible, to use non-chemical means or natural alternatives to your pet’s flea infestation.  It should not be forgotten, however, that fleas themselves are more than a mere an irritancy, and can be dangerous in themselves.  As well as the possibility that your pet will be allergic to fleas, they can also transfer other parasites, such as tapeworm, making them even more dangerous.  On the other hand, if you take an holistic approach, there will be less chance of your pet getting cat fleas again.

Cat fleas are dark brown and are about as big as a pinhead.