Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

How to tell if your cat has fleas (and tips to get rid of them)

Getting rid of fleas for good can be easy with these tips

An orange cat scratching behind their ear
noelle / Unsplash

Warm weather makes most people think of beach vacations, backyard cookouts, and crisp lemonade. For pet parents, though, warm weather also signifies the increased population of one of the most obnoxious pests ever — fleas. While your cat can catch fleas year-round, warmer weather creates a much more welcoming environment for these invaders, and your cat is likelier to spend more time outdoors when the weather is nice.

Fortunately, you can take a few helpful steps to help your cat stay flea and itch-free. Learning how to tell if your cat has fleas only takes a few minutes, but this knowledge will help both you and your cat for years to come.

Recommended Videos

How do cats get fleas?

Cat scratches his ear on the floor
lothofoxburr / Pixabay

More often than not, indoor-only cats don’t get fleas. That’s not to say you can’t bring them home to your cat after petting a flea-infested animal or that Miss Mittens can’t get them at the groomer’s, but it’s much more likely to happen if your cat is an outdoor cat. One way to prevent fleas is to keep your cat inside all the time. If that’s not possible, you still have options for getting rid of these nasty, tiny bloodsuckers.   

How to tell if your cat has fleas

Orange cat scratching an itchy spot on its neck
Rihaij / Pixabay

Fortunately, it’s usually fairly easy to tell if your cat has fleas. Here’s what you should look for.

Behavioral changes

Stress or injury may cause your cat to lick and bite at her fur, but some changes in behavior, such as incessant scratching and biting, are almost always a sure sign that your feline friend has fleas. Fleabites cause horrible itching, which makes your cat scratch or bite at her fur. Fleabites can lead to dermatitis if left untreated, which can cause inflamed skin, matted fur, and even hair loss. If you see any of these signs, your cat has a bath looming in her immediate future. 

Fleas in action

Naturally, the most foolproof way to tell if your cat has fleas is to spot the little critters with your own two eyes. However, this is easier said than done, especially if you have a long-haired cat. Fleas range in size; at their smallest, they’re around the size of a pinhead, and at their largest, they measure about an eighth of an inch long — and since their primary method of travel is jumping, they can be hard to spot. The armpit and groin are two places to check, as fleas tend to congregate in warm, dark areas. We recommend using a flea comb to make your job easier. 

Specks on your cat’s fur

It can be tricky to catch fleas in action, but you can still find evidence on your cat’s fur. If you see what looks like cracked black pepper on your cat’s coat, what you’re looking at is called flea dirt. Unfortunately, “flea dirt” is a nicer name for flea feces. Because flea dirt primarily consists of freshly consumed blood, it turns red in the water. Yuck. 

How to get rid of fleas

White longhaired cat scratching its neck
Deedee86 / Pixabay

Dealing with a flea infestation can be stressful for you and your cat, but you have a few ways to get rid of these tiny vampires and make sure they don’t come back.

Kill existing fleas

The first step is getting rid of existing fleas. To quell an active infestation, spray your flea comb with a flea-and-tick spray and work it through your cat’s fur. If you don’t have any on hand, a combination of hot water and dish soap kills fleas almost on contact. 

If you want a surefire option, go with a spot treatment designed to kill fleas. Whether you purchase spot treatments online or from your veterinarian, we strongly recommend speaking to your vet to get the dosage right. Always make sure you’re using a formula designed for cats — flea treatments for dogs can actually have fatal consequences for your feline friend. 

Treat your home and yard

Carpets can be a hotbed for flea activity even after you’ve battled the invasion. To keep your home — and your cat — flea-free, you’ll need to use a three-pronged attack. 

  • Vacuum everything. You’ll have to vacuum your floors to rid your home of adult fleas, eggs, and larvae. If at all possible, change out your vacuum bag once you’ve finished. If you have a canister vacuum, empty it into a trash can filled with hot water and dish soap without touching the contents. 
  • Once you’ve vacuumed your floors thoroughly, it’s time to tackle your home with a steam cleaner. Heat and soap are lethal to fleas, so steam-clean all pet beds, mattresses, and upholstery. You should also wash your bedding in hot water. 
  • Lastly, use an aerosol insecticide to kill fleas in places you can’t steam-clean or vacuum. Please note that cats, dogs, and children shouldn’t be around the spray until it has dried, and you’ll probably want to wear gloves while you work. 

Preventing future flea infestations

Cat sitting outside scratching its neck
PublicDomainPictures / Pixabay

Killing the current flea infestation is only step one. The next thing you need to do is to prevent future problems. There are many resources to turn to when choosing the best flea prevention for your cat, but some flea treatments may also include a preventative medication.  If this is the case, you don’t need to double down!

Some cat owners choose a flea collar for cats to provide constant protection against pests, but it’s important to note that these collars can have side effects. Instead, you can try a single-dose medication administered once per month. It’s all about finding what works best for you and your furry friend! If you don’t know where to start, you can always ask your vet for advice.

Getting rid of fleas can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Keeping your cat indoors, investing in a spot treatment to prevent fleas from viewing your cat as a movable feast, and acting quickly at the first sign of fleas all help tackle current infestations and prevent future problems. If your cat refuses to stay indoors only, try lining your yard with cedar chips, which help deter fleas. Discovering that your cat has fleas is upsetting, but if you follow our tips, your cat and your home can stay flea-free. 

Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Why does your cat sit on your lap? The science behind it
Find out the real reasons your cat lies in your lap
Cat sitting in a lap

As a pet parent, nothing is better than when your cat decides to curl up for a nap on your lap. Sometimes it can be slightly irritating when you need to get some work done, attempt to move your fur baby, and they look at you like you've not only offended them, but also the entire domestic cat species.

But it's impossible to say no to their adorable noses and whiskers, so you let them stay. Have you ever wondered why so many of our feline family members become lap cats? We'll tell you everything you need to know about why cats love to sit on you.
Reasons your cat loves to sit on you

Read more
Why your cat sleeps under the covers (and how to stop it)
Suggestions to help you and your cat get a good night's sleep
Gray cat curled up under a fluffy blanket

If your cat sleeps under the covers with you, you're not alone. While having your fur baby curled up against you sounds like a cozy way to fall asleep, it's not always good for your sheets — or your health. Not only can cats leave behind some of their hair, but there's also the possibility that they'll bring traces of litter into your bed. Yuck!

If you don't want your cat under the covers with you, or if you're worried that it might be unsafe, then this is the guide for you. We'll walk you through all the reasons behind this behavior and what you can do to discourage it. So why does my cat sleep under the covers? Read on to find out.
Why does my cat sleep under the covers?

Read more
Is your cat a Maine Coon mix? Learn the signs and why it’s important
Why it matters if your cat is a Maine Coon mix
Close-up of a Maine Coon's face

There are plenty of big and fluffy cats out there, but one of the best-known breeds fitting this description is the massive, majestic Maine Coon. These cats are not only impressive in size, but they also tend to have fantastic personalities that make them beloved family pets. While purebred Maine Coons are a little more uncommon in rescues and shelters, it's possible to adopt a Maine Coon mix that still has some of the breed's distinctive characteristics.

While telling exactly which breeds your cat is can be a little tricky, it's worth doing some investigative work to better understand your feline's background and what that might mean for the care he needs during his life--especially for rescue cats!
Where do Maine Coon cats come from?

Read more