Signs of Severe Fleas on a Cat

Fleas are a common parasite on cats, but if allowed to go untreated, they can turn into a serious problem. Despite their small size, fleas can lead to illness, allergies and other health issues in infested animals. They can also easily spread to other pets, including dogs. The signs of fleas on a cat with a serious infestation are obvious and should not be ignored.

  1. Flea Sightings

    • In mild cases, it's hard to find a flea on a cat. If you can easily see the insects on your cat, you are likely dealing with a heavy infestation. The easiest places to see these parasites are on the belly or on the skin in front of the tail. The fleas will be next to the skin, so it's important to part the hair to find them.

    Flea Dirt

    • Cats with serious flea problems may appear to have dirty skin. Flea dirt is a dark material that looks a little like black pepper, and is actually waste from the fleas themselves. This digested blood sticks to the skin, and is a strong sign that fleas are present. In severe flea cases, large areas of the cat's skin may look dirty. Flea dirt may also appear as a reddish stain on bedding or where the cat sleeps.

    Skin Problems

    • The fleas themselves cause minimal itching in most cats, but many animals eventually develop an allergy to flea saliva. In this allergic state, the cat's body overreacts to the presence of a flea bite, causing intense itching. Flea-allergic cats may lick, scratch or chew their skin until sores or scabs develop, especially just in front of the tail. Cats may also lick or chew the hair from their legs, creating bald spots. Open skin invites infection, and may be a vector for other problems. Early flea treatment can prevent cats from developing this allergy.

    Anemia

    • A small colony of fleas can't consume much of a cat's blood, but once the population rises, these parasites may cause anemia. Anemia is a condition where the cat has too little hemoglobin or too few red blood cells. It may cause the gums to appear pale, and the animal to seem tired or listless. In severe cases, anemia may become life-threatening, requiring a transfusion.