Fleas are among the most common problems in cats, including indoor cats. They hitch a ride on people, other pets and visitors, and once they settle in, most of the infestation lives in your home rather than on the cat. Ticks are more of a risk for cats that go outdoors. Both can cause itching, skin problems and disease, so it pays to know the signs and to use the right, cat-safe products.
Quick answer: Scratching, overgrooming, small scabs and black specks of “flea dirt” in the coat are classic signs of fleas. Treat every cat and dog in the home with a vet-recommended product made for that species, and treat the home too, since most of the flea life cycle happens there. Remove ticks with a proper tick remover. Never use dog flea products on cats: many contain permethrin, which can poison cats.
Important: dog flea and tick products that contain permethrin are highly toxic to cats. Cats can be poisoned by direct use or by grooming or lying against a recently treated dog. Signs include drooling, twitching, tremors, wobbliness and seizures. If you see these after exposure, go to a vet immediately.
Signs your cat has fleas
- Scratching, licking or chewing more than usual, especially around the back, tail base and neck
- Thin patches, broken hairs or bald areas from overgrooming
- Small scabs or crusty bumps along the back and neck
- Black specks of “flea dirt” in the coat or bedding
- Seeing fleas moving in the fur, especially when you part it near the tail
- Itchy red bites on people, often around the ankles
Some cats show very few signs, so regular checks matter, even for indoor cats.
The wet paper test
Comb your cat over a white, damp paper towel or tissue, focusing on the head, back and around the tail. Flea dirt is digested blood, so if the black specks dissolve into reddish-brown streaks on the damp paper, your cat has fleas. A fine-toothed flea comb makes this easier, and fits nicely into a regular brushing routine.
Why fleas are hard to get rid of
Adult fleas on your cat are only a small part of the problem. Female fleas lay many eggs a day, and these drop off into carpets, bedding, sofas and cracks in the floor. The eggs hatch into larvae, which then spin cocoons. Inside the cocoon, fleas can wait until they sense warmth, movement or carbon dioxide from a passing animal, then jump on and start feeding.
Vets often say that around 95% of a flea population is in the home as eggs, larvae and cocoons, with only about 5% as adults on pets. That’s why one treatment on the cat rarely clears an infestation, and why new fleas can keep appearing for weeks after treatment starts.
How to treat fleas
- Ask your vet for a cat-safe product. There are spot-ons, tablets and other options. Choose one licensed for cats, at the right dose for your cat’s current weight. Kittens need products suitable for their age and weight.
- Treat every pet in the home at the same time, each with a product made for its own species. In homes with dogs and cats, ask your vet which products are safe to use together.
- Treat the home. Vacuum carpets, rugs, sofas and floors thoroughly, including under furniture, and empty the vacuum outside. Wash pet bedding and throws on a hot wash. Your vet can recommend a household flea spray if needed. Keep cats and other pets out of treated rooms as the label directs, and never spray household products on a cat.
- Keep going. Expect to see some fleas for several weeks as new adults hatch from cocoons and meet the treatment. Keep treating regularly as advised, rather than stopping as soon as you stop seeing fleas.
Health problems fleas can cause
- Flea allergy dermatitis. Some cats are allergic to flea saliva, and just a few bites can cause intense itching, scabs and hair loss. Strict flea control is the main treatment. See cat skin allergies.
- Tapeworms. Cats can swallow infected fleas while grooming and pick up tapeworm. You may see small rice-like segments around the bottom or in bedding. See worms in cats.
- Anemia. Heavy infestations can cause dangerous blood loss, especially in young kittens. Signs include pale gums, weakness and poor appetite. This needs urgent vet care.
- Bartonella. This bacteria, linked to “cat scratch disease” in people, can be spread among cats by fleas. Many cats show no signs.
Ticks on cats
Ticks are small, eight-legged parasites that latch onto the skin to feed, often around the head, ears, neck and feet. They start tiny and swell to the size of a pea as they fill with blood. Cats that hunt or roam in long grass, woodland or gardens are most at risk.
Ticks can spread diseases to cats. Which ones depend on where you live. Some tick-borne diseases can be serious, so ask your vet about the risks in your area and whether your cat’s parasite product also covers ticks.
How to remove a tick
- Use a tick remover tool designed for the job, and follow its instructions. These usually slide under the tick and twist it out.
- Don’t squeeze, burn or pull the tick’s body, and don’t smother it in oils or chemicals. This can leave the mouthparts behind or cause the tick to release more saliva into the bite.
- Check the tick came out whole, then clean the area and wash your hands.
- If you’re unsure, or your cat won’t stay still, ask your vet to remove it.
Watch the bite area for a few days, and call your vet if it becomes swollen or sore, or if your cat seems lethargic, stops eating or has pale gums.
Preventing fleas and ticks
- Use a vet-recommended parasite product all year round, on schedule
- Treat all pets in the home, including indoor cats
- Vacuum regularly and wash pet bedding often
- Check your cat’s coat with a flea comb, especially after time outdoors
- Keep up with deworming, since fleas can spread tapeworm
If your cat is very itchy, has sore skin, or seems unwell, see your vet. Constant scratching can be uncomfortable or even painful; see signs your cat is in pain and signs your cat is sick.
Frequently asked questions
Can indoor cats get fleas?
Yes. Fleas can come into the home on people’s clothes, other pets or visiting animals. Indoor cats still benefit from regular checks, and your vet can advise whether ongoing flea prevention is right for your cat.
Can I use my dog’s flea treatment on my cat?
No. Many dog flea and tick products contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats and can cause tremors, seizures and death. Only use products made for cats, at the right dose for your cat’s weight.
Why do I still see fleas after treating my cat?
Most of the flea life cycle lives in your home as eggs, larvae and cocoons. New fleas keep hatching for weeks after treatment starts. Keep treating all pets as directed, vacuum often and wash bedding, and the numbers should drop.
Should I pull a tick off my cat with my fingers?
It’s better not to. Squeezing or pulling the body can leave the mouthparts in the skin. Use a tick remover tool and follow its instructions, or ask your vet to remove it.
