Cat fleas are small parasites that feed on blood, causing itching and discomfort. Severe infestations and allergic reactions to bites can result in hair loss and open sores. Additionally, cat fleas can carry harmful diseases that affect both cats and humans.
Here’s essential information about fleas and your cat, covering detection, treatment, and prevention.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are small parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. Among the more than 2,200 species of fleas, the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis felis) is the one that most frequently infests cats and dogs. Their flattened bodies and powerful legs allow fleas to easily jump onto a host and navigate through fur while feeding on the host’s blood.
Flea Life Cycle:
An adult female flea can produce over 20 eggs daily. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on flea waste found on the cat and in their surroundings for several days. Afterward, they create a protective cocoon and enter the pupal stage, maturing into adults. Flea pupae are resilient and can withstand insecticides, remaining dormant in the environment for days, weeks, or even months until a suitable host becomes available.
What Types of Diseases Can Fleas Transmit?
Fleas are known to transmit several pathogens that can impact both cats and humans:
- Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that cats can acquire by ingesting fleas, though they rarely affect humans.
- Cat scratch disease is caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae. While cats usually don’t get sick from it, they can pass the bacteria to humans through scratches or bites.
- Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is carried by fleas that typically infest rodents. While cats are not the primary hosts for these fleas, they can still transmit the plague to both cats and humans.
- Flea-borne (murine) typhus is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia spp., which can be found in cat fleas. Its effects on cats are not well understood, but it can cause illness in humans.
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