How to Check Cats for Fleas

Fleas are the most commonly found parasites on cats, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council. If your feline is scratching, licking, nibbling or gnawing at its coat, it may be infested with fleas. A flea infestation can result in irritated skin, hair loss or even an intestinal tapeworm infection. While it may prove difficult, if not impossible, to actually see the fleas, you can inspect your cat for "flea dirt," otherwise known as flea feces, to determine whether or not these unwelcome visitors are present.

Things You'll Need

  • Pet comb
  • 1 large piece of white paper
  • Spray bottle filled with water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place your cat on a large piece of white paper. Pet it and coax it to lie down if you can.

    • 2

      Comb a section of your cat's back hair in a brisk motion. Note whether or not black flecks fall onto the paper.

    • 3

      Comb your cat's hair briskly in different areas on its back if the black flecks did not appear in Step 2.

    • 4

      Remove your cat from the paper and place the paper in a safe area where the flecks will not be disturbed. Dampen another piece of paper with water from a spray bottle.

    • 5

      Shake the black flecks onto the damp paper. Wait 10 to 15 minutes and then observe the flecks. If they have turned a red or rusty color, they are flea feces. If not, then your cat's coat is full of dirt.