What Do Cat Fleas Look Like To The Human Eye?

Fleas are particularly pesky and irritating parasites. Many people are familiar with the fact that fleas commonly plague cats, but often times will not have seen what one looks like. When it comes to cat fleas, they are particularly common and while they are not the biggest of parasites they can cause plenty of distress to their host. With that being said, let’s take a closer look at what cat fleas look like to the human eye.

Identifying Cat Fleas

Fleas are typically between 1.5mm and 3.3mm long, making them quite small. With this being said, they have a distinct look to them that allows you to recognize them as fleas. This is particularly true when you take a closer look under a microscope, here you can clearly notice the torso of the flea and the legs which will aid in movement.

The coloring of the flea is generally a reddish-brown color but this can vary depending on the type of flea. The flea will also have a body that is tough in texture and difficult for the eye to see due to their size. In addition to this, the flea will have a distinct head that is small in shape and twice as large in comparison to the rest of the body.

The most distinctive features of the flea are their two antennae, a double row of spines and a comb like set of bristles to the underside of the body. With this being said it is still quite difficult to see cat fleas, with the naked eye, due to their size and the fact that they move quickly.

Common Signs and Effects of Cat Fleas

Cat fleas pose a serious threat to cats and can cause a variety of different issues. If your cat has become infected by cat fleas they will suffer from skin irritation and will end up with bald patches where they have been trying to scratch the fleas away.

Further to this, there are other signs to look out for when it comes to cat fleas. These include skin discoloration, anemia, tapeworms, lethargy and an increased appetite.

In terms of the anemia, cats suffer from anemia when they are heavily infested with fleas. This results in their red blood cells becoming low and so the cat’s body cannot receive enough oxygen.

There may also be an indication of fleas around the environment such as in the form of flea dirt. Flea dirt is nothing more than the fleas’ feces and will look like small dark spots that resemble pepper beneath the fur.

How to Get Rid of Cat Fleas

If your cat has become infected with cat fleas there are a few steps you can take in order to rid them of the problem. The first step is to clean the environment thoroughly in order to remove any fleas or eggs that may have been laid. This means hoovering, getting carpets and bedding to 60-degree celsius, using an anti-flea product and regularly washing the cat’s bedding.

In addition to this, there are products such as flea powder and flea shampoos that can be used on the cat in order to kill any fleas that may also be on its body. Finally, speak to a vet about administering medicine to the cat as this will help tackle any existing fleas or help in preventing fleas from occurring or reoccurring.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while cat fleas are small they have a distinct look to them that makes them easy to recognize when viewed under the microscope. The coloring of the flea is generally a reddish-brown color but this can vary depending on the type of flea. Further to this, it is possible to diagnose a cat flea infestation by looking for signs such as flea dirt, scratching, anemia and skin irritation. Finally, if your cat does suffer from an infection there are steps that can be taken in order to rid your pet of these pesky creatures.