Cat Flea
Ctenocephalides felis
Anatomy
Identification
Distinguishing Features
- Laterally flattened body (compressed side-to-side)
- Powerful hind legs adapted for jumping (up to 20cm vertically)
- Backward-pointing bristles and spines on body
- Wingless with hard, shiny exoskeleton
- Comb-like spines (ctenidia) on head and thorax
Biology
Lifecycle
Complete metamorphosis: egg → larva → pupa → adult. Eggs laid on host fall into carpets and bedding. Larvae feed on organic debris and 'flea dirt' (blood feces). Pupae can remain dormant for months, emerging when they detect vibration or CO2 from a host.
Diet
Obligate blood feeders. Adults must feed on blood to reproduce. They prefer cats and dogs but will readily bite humans, especially around ankles and lower legs. A single flea can bite hundreds of times per day.
Nesting
Do not nest. Adults live on hosts while eggs, larvae, and pupae develop in the environment - primarily in carpets, pet bedding, upholstered furniture, and cracks in flooring. Larvae avoid light and burrow deep into carpet fibers.
Signs of Infestation
Pet scratching and biting
Excessive scratching, biting at fur, and restlessness in pets are often the first signs. Check for fleas by parting fur, especially around the neck and tail base.
Flea dirt in pet bedding
Small, dark, comma-shaped specks that turn red when wet (dried blood). Found on pets and in their resting areas.
Bites on humans
Red, itchy bites typically around ankles and lower legs. Bites often appear in clusters or lines.
Seeing fleas jump
Adult fleas are visible jumping on pets, carpets, or furniture. Their jump is distinctive and rapid.
White sock test
Walking through carpeted areas in white socks reveals dark fleas that have jumped on.
Where They Nest
- Pet bedding and sleeping areas
- Carpeted areas where pets rest
- Upholstered furniture used by pets
- Cracks and crevices in hardwood floors
- Area rugs and throw blankets
Distribution in Canada
Found in all provinces wherever pets are kept. Populations peak in late summer and fall but persist year-round in heated homes. Cannot survive Canadian winters outdoors.
Active Season
Peak activity August through October. However, fleas survive year-round indoors. Indoor heating allows continuous breeding cycles throughout winter.
Prevention
- Use veterinarian-recommended flea prevention on all pets year-round
- Vacuum frequently, especially pet resting areas and under furniture
- Wash pet bedding in hot water weekly during infestations
- Treat all pets simultaneously - even indoor-only cats
- Steam clean carpets to kill larvae and pupae
- Maintain outdoor areas - mow lawn and remove debris
Professional Treatment
Effective flea control requires treating both pets (veterinary products) and the environment. Professional treatment targets all life stages with residual products that continue working as pupae emerge. Multiple treatments may be needed since pupae are resistant to insecticides.
Get General Pest Control ServiceFrequently Asked Questions
What does a Cat Flea eat?
Obligate blood feeders. Adults must feed on blood to reproduce. They prefer cats and dogs but will readily bite humans, especially around ankles and lower legs. A single flea can bite hundreds of times per day.
Where does a Cat Flea nest?
Do not nest. Adults live on hosts while eggs, larvae, and pupae develop in the environment - primarily in carpets, pet bedding, upholstered furniture, and cracks in flooring. Larvae avoid light and burrow deep into carpet fibers.
When is a Cat Flea most active?
Peak activity August through October. However, fleas survive year-round indoors. Indoor heating allows continuous breeding cycles throughout winter.
What are the signs of a Cat Flea infestation?
Pet scratching and biting: Excessive scratching, biting at fur, and restlessness in pets are often the first signs. Check for fleas by parting fur, especially around the neck and tail base. Flea dirt in pet bedding: Small, dark, comma-shaped specks that turn red when wet (dried blood). Found on pets and in their resting areas. Bites on humans: Red, itchy bites typically around ankles and lower legs. Bites often appear in clusters or lines. Seeing fleas jump: Adult fleas are visible jumping on pets, carpets, or furniture. Their jump is distinctive and rapid. White sock test: Walking through carpeted areas in white socks reveals dark fleas that have jumped on.
How can I prevent a Cat Flea infestation?
Use veterinarian-recommended flea prevention on all pets year-round. Vacuum frequently, especially pet resting areas and under furniture. Wash pet bedding in hot water weekly during infestations. Treat all pets simultaneously - even indoor-only cats. Steam clean carpets to kill larvae and pupae. Maintain outdoor areas - mow lawn and remove debris.
How is a Cat Flea treated?
Effective flea control requires treating both pets (veterinary products) and the environment. Professional treatment targets all life stages with residual products that continue working as pupae emerge. Multiple treatments may be needed since pupae are resistant to insecticides.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Siphonaptera
- Family
- Pulicidae
- Genus
- Ctenocephalides
