What Are the Effects of Fleas on Cats?

Fleas are simply pests, but their infestations not only affect humans but can terrorize cats. A flea is a wingless, jumping, blood-sucking parasite can that leave serious effects on cats such as tapeworms, hair loss and allergies.

  1. Flea Allergy

    • Some cats are susceptible to an allergic reaction to fleas causing them to become hypersensitive. Hypersensitivity, resulting in severe itching, usually shows up within the first 3 years of your cats' life.

    Skin Irritation

    • Skin irritation occur from your cat's tongue and claws licking and scratching in the same itchy, flea-affected spots.

    Hair Loss

    • Hair loss is an effect caused by your cat constantly licking and pulling her fur out to rid her body of the fleas and relieve the itching.

    Sores

    • Sores are one of the effects of fleas on cats. Your cat will constantly bite and scratch at her fur and skin trying to remove the fleas, resulting in sores and scabbing.

    Tapeworms

    • The flea can transmit tapeworms to a cat by biting them. The flea ingests the tapeworm from another source and passes it onto your cat through its bite.