What Does a Flea Nest Look Like on a Cat?

Flea nests refer to infestation, not birdlike nests occupied by biting insects. If you don't see actual live fleas on your feline but she has lots of black specks in her fur, she probably has fleas. Those dark specks, known as flea dirt, are flea excrement, an obvious clue that your cat is infested. To eradicate fleas, you need to treat all of the pets in your home as well as the dwelling itself.

  1. Flea Life Cycle

    • Adults fleas live on the host animal, your cat. The little pests can live as long as two years. Shortly after infesting your cat, female fleas begin laying oval, white eggs, as many as 50 daily. These eggs fall off your cat's coat, along with the flea poop, from which the larvae feed. Larvae and eggs can be anywhere in your house, but you're most likely to find them where your cat sleeps. Extremely small, you might not see them with the naked eye. They especially like carpeting, bedding and upholstered furniture. Once ensconced, they become pupae, living inside cocoons. Within a few weeks, they're mature. At this point they respond to noise and pressure signals that a suitable host, including a person, is near. Then they jump on that potential host. While people aren't permanent hosts, we certainly can get bitten. Itchy bites on the ankles signify flea infestation in your home.

    Location

    • If your cat is severely infested or light-colored, it's not hard to find fleas on her. If few fleas are on her or if she's dark-haired, you might have trouble finding them. Kittens are especially vulnerable -- a flea infestation can cause anemia in babies, possibly killing them. Use a fine-tooth flea comb and thoroughly comb your cat. Fleas often congregate around the back of the head and ears, as well as at the base of the tail, difficult areas for the cat to reach while grooming. Have a bowl of soapy water handy to drown any of the pests you comb off Kitty. The excrement will turn rust-color if you smear it.

    Feline Flea Control

    • Ask your vet about monthly topical or oral flea control. These medications, some of which are available only by prescription while others are over-the-counter, not only kill adult fleas but also eliminate the eggs. All cats in your household, whether or not they appear to be infested, must be on the program or you'll won't get the fleas out of your home. Dogs, too, but you can't necessarily use the same products on dog as on cats. Your vet can advise you on canine monthly flea control.

    Environmental Control

    • In addition to treating the pets, you must treat your home. If infestation is severe, you might contact an exterminator to take care of the problem. For less severe situations, you can purchase pesticides to spray around your house. Follow directions carefully and keep people and pets out of the treated area for the time period recommended on the product. Wash all pet bedding in hot water and bleach, or throw these items out and replace them. Vacuum carpeting and upholstery daily to suck up flea larvae.