| Scientific name | Ctenocephalides felis |
|---|---|
| Group | Other Insects |
| Size | 1–3 mm (up to about 0.12 in) |
| Colors | Brown and Black |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | On pets, Bedroom or bed and Indoors, anywhere |
| Most active | Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter |
| Bites | Yes |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Can bite or sting |
How to identify it
The cat flea is a tiny member of the other insects group. Crickets, fleas, lice, mantises, dragonflies and other groups. Check for these three features:
- Tiny, reddish-brown to black body flattened side to side
- Powerful jumping hind legs
- Black flea dirt on pets that turns red on a wet paper towel
About this bug
The most common flea on both cats and dogs, a tiny, flattened, dark insect that jumps huge distances. Eggs drop off pets into carpets and bedding.
You'll usually find cat fleas on pets, in bedrooms and beds and indoors. They are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter.
Is it dangerous?
Flea bites itch, can cause allergic dermatitis in pets, and fleas can pass tapeworms.
Our rating: Can bite or sting, meaning it can bite or sting, usually with mild, local effects.
When you'll see cat fleas
Cat Fleas are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings. In winter, activity continues mainly indoors in heated spaces.
Typical places to check: on pets, bedroom or bed and indoors, anywhere.
About other insects
The cat flea is one of the other insects. This group covers insects from several orders, including crickets, grasshoppers, fleas, lice, mantises, dragonflies, lacewings and planthoppers. Their life cycles vary widely: fleas and lacewings go through complete metamorphosis, while crickets, grasshoppers, mantises and lice grow gradually through nymph stages.
Check the specific profile for timing, because each of these insects has its own season and habits.
What to do about it
- Treat every pet with a veterinarian-recommended flea product
- Vacuum carpets, furniture and pet beds daily for several weeks
- Wash pet bedding in hot water weekly
Bugs that look similar
Group: Cat Flea belongs to other insects, while springtail belongs to centipedes, millipedes & crawlers. Crickets, fleas, lice, mantises, dragonflies and other groups.
Group: Cat Flea belongs to other insects, while bed bug belongs to true bugs. Crickets, fleas, lice, mantises, dragonflies and other groups.
Color: Cat Fleas are brown and black; head lice are tan, gray and white.
Frequently asked questions
What does a cat flea look like?
Tiny, reddish-brown to black body flattened side to side. Adults measure 1–3 mm (up to about 0.12 in).
Does the cat flea bite or sting?
It can bite. It does not sting. Flea bites itch, can cause allergic dermatitis in pets, and fleas can pass tapeworms.
Where do cat fleas live?
Cat Fleas live on pets, in bedrooms and beds and indoors.
When are cat fleas most active?
Mostly in spring, summer, fall and winter.