Description of Cat Fleas

Fleas are parasitic insects, meaning they live off other creatures. Cat fleas mainly consume the blood of cats, but they are not against dining on dogs or humans.

  1. Species

    • Cat fleas are just one of over 2,000 species of fleas. The scientific name for cat fleas is Ctenocephalides felis.

    Characteristics

    • Cat fleas have two antennae and six legs. They are reddish brown or black in color and the adults range in size from 1 to 3 mm. They have no wings. Claws on their legs allow them to latch onto their host̵7;s fur. Their mouths are equipped with sharp spikes that stab through the skin of the host in order to reach the blood.

    Eggs

    • The eggs of cat fleas are oval shaped, white and only about .5 millimeters. They are difficult to spot.

    Spread

    • Fleas travel quickly. Eggs can fall off the cat and land in fabric where larva will hatch and begin to feed off dandruff.

    Dangers

    • Fleas can carry diseases and pass them onto humans. They can also give your pet tapeworms. Flea bites in humans can cause allergic reactions.