To know if a cat has fleas, look for the following signs:
- Aggressive scratching, biting, or excessive grooming due to itching.
- Visible fleas: small, fast-moving black or brown insects, especially around the neck, base of the tail, belly, and groin.
- Flea dirt: tiny black specks in the fur, which is flea feces. If placed on a white paper and moistened with water, flea dirt turns reddish-brown.
- Red, bumpy, or irritated skin, especially near the neck, shoulders, and tail base.
- Hair loss or bald spots from scratching.
- Small scabs, lesions, or skin infections.
- Presence of flea eggs or larvae, though they are very small and hard to see.
- Watch if your cat is shaking its head, scratching ears, or seems restless.
- Occasionally, humans in the home might also get insect bites if fleas are present.
Using a fine-tooth flea comb to check your cat's fur can help detect fleas or flea dirt. Comb over a white surface to catch fleas or debris and use soapy water to kill any found fleas. If these signs are present, it likely means your cat has fleas and needs treatment.
