Cat Flea

Natural Habitat

Inhabits the fur and bedding of domestic cats, dogs, and various wild mammals; also found in carpets and upholstery indoors.

Diet & Feeding

Adults are hematophagous (blood-feeders), consuming blood from mammalian hosts. Larvae feed on organic debris and adult flea feces ('flea dirt').

Behavior Patterns

Wingless but capable of jumping long distances to reach a host. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg, larva, pupa, adult) and spend the majority of their adult life on a single host.

Risks & Benefits

Significant veterinary pest that causes allergic dermatitis and itching. They can transmit diseases like cat scratch fever (Bartonella) and serve as intermediate hosts for tapeworms.

Identified on: 2/26/2026