How to Identify a Flea Bite on a Cat

Fleas are insect parasites that suck blood from their hosts. In addition to the red, itchy bumps that their bites cause, fleas are also a vector for diseases like bubonic plague. They can spread internal parasites such as tapeworm if the cat eats an infested flea when grooming its fur. Some cats are allergic to flea bites, and can get inflamed skin with pustules and lick or scratch the area until it is raw.

Instructions

    • 1

      Watch for excessive scratching. Scratching is the surest sign of flea problems in cats.

    • 2

      Examine the cat's skin by parting the fur and looking for red, crusty bumps. They are most common on the head, neck, abdomen and lower back.

    • 3

      Look for areas where the fur is thin or falling out, or feel for hard lumps under the skin.