How Does a Kitten Get Fleas?
There are four different stages in the flea life cycle: eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. Of these, only adult fleas live on cats. The other three immature stages make up 95% of the flea population and are found in the environment – the adult fleas seen on pets are only the tip of the iceberg of a flea infestation! Kittens can get fleas from any environment where other flea-infested animals have been, such as your home, backyard or other outdoor area. It is rare for adult fleas to jump from one animal to another.
What Do Fleas and Flea Eggs Look Like?
Read on for a description of the different flea life stages so you know what to look for on your kitten and in their environment.
- Adult Fleas
Fleas are small parasitic insects with a body divided into three parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. They lack wings and have three pairs of legs, using their powerful hind legs to jump significant distances.
Fleas can detect vibrations, carbon dioxide, and heat, indicating the presence of a potential host, however these are too small to see with the naked eye. Their bodies are shielded by hard plates called sclerites, which make them tough to crush. Fleas also have long, straw-like mouthparts to pierce the skin of their host and feed on blood.
- Flea Eggs
Adult female fleas lay eggs on their host, but these eggs soon fall off into the environment, in places such as bedding, carpets, or cracks in the floor. Unfortunately, flea eggs are very small and light in colour, making them challenging to see or detect.
• Size: Flea eggs are about 0.5 mm long and 0.3 mm wide, slightly larger than a grain of table salt.
• Colour: Fresh eggs are semi-transparent and colourless to white, becoming more opaque and pearly-white as they age.
• Shape: They are oval and elongated with rounded ends.
- Flea Larvae:
The eggs hatch in the environment into flea larvae which look like tiny, white-ish worms with pale-coloured hairs, measuring about 2-5 mm. They thrive in dark, hidden spots like deep in carpets or bedding.
- Flea Pupae
The larvae develop and then produce a sticky cocoon called a pupa which attracts debris from the environment to help protect it. Inside, the pre-emerged flea can develop in less than 10 days, but they can remain in this stage for up to 6 months before emerging depending on environmental conditions. Pupae are normally found deep in carpets or underneath organic debris.
How to Know if Your Kitten Has Fleas
By the time you notice fleas on your kitten, it is likely that there is already a flea infestation in your home. Here are some signs of fleas on kittens to look out for:
- Inspect Your Kitten for Telltale Signs of Fleas
Fleas are small, brown to reddish-brown insects about 1-3 mm in length. You can spot them with the naked eye, especially on light-coloured fur. Use a bright light and part your kitten’s fur to examine the skin, focusing on areas where fleas are often found, like the base of the tail, neck, belly, and groin.
- Look for Flea Dirt on Your Kitten
Flea dirt is flea faeces, and it appears as tiny black specks on your kitten’s fur or bedding, like ground black pepper. To confirm if it's flea dirt on your kitten, place some on a white paper towel and add a few drops of water. If it turns red or reddish-brown, it’s flea dirt, which is flea faeces containing digested blood.
- Use a Flea Comb for Kittens
A fine-tooth flea comb or a kitten flea brush can help you find fleas and flea dirt. Comb through your kitten’s fur and have a bowl of soapy water ready to dunk any fleas you catch, preventing them from escaping.
- Kitten Flea Symptoms
It may not be easy to see the fleas themselves but some kitten flea symptoms include:
• Frequent scratching: Kittens may scratch due to flea bites.
• Excessive grooming: Licking, chewing, and grooming can be signs of irritation caused by fleas.
• Hair loss or bald spots: Excessive scratching or grooming may lead to loss of hair.
• Redness or rashes: Skin irritation, redness and scabs may occur secondary to fleas, especially if a kitten has a flea allergy (flea allergy dermatitis).
There are several other causes of skin disease in kittens and its best to consult your vet to confirm the diagnosis.
- Human Flea Bites
If a flea infestation occurs in your home, you might notice flea bites on your legs and ankles. Fleas can transmit bacteria responsible for flea-borne spotted fever to people and so using flea control for kittens is important for human health too.
Symptoms of Flea Anaemia in Kittens
As fleas feed on blood, severe flea infestations can lead to flea anaemia in kittens. Signs may include lethargy, weakness and pale gums. It’s important to seek urgent veterinary care if you notice these signs.
Fleas on Kittens: Treatment
Once you have identified an infestation, the next step is to learn how to get rid of fleas on kittens.
There are several different types of feline flea treatment available, including:
• Topical (spot-on) flea treatments for kittens
• Flea tablets for kittens
• Flea collars for kittens
• Flea shampoo for kittens
If you’re looking for the best flea control methods for kittens, you can’t go past NexGard SPECTRA® Spot-On for Cats. It’s a highly effective flea treatment that can be used from 8 weeks of age and 0.8 kg bodyweight. It provides the most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm, lungworm and intestinal worms (including tapeworms), all in one easy, monthly application.
When Can You Start Flea Treatment on a Kitten?
You may be wondering “What age can a kitten have flea treatment?”. The minimum age and weight of flea treatments for kittens varies depending on the individual product and so it’s important to check the product label and speak to your veterinary clinic or pet store if you have any questions.
Flea Treatment for Kittens Under 8 Weeks
If your kitten is under 8 weeks old and requires flea control (for example, flea treatment for kittens only 6 weeks old is required), a safe option is Frontline® Spray which can be used in kittens from 2 days of age.
Environmental Control
It is natural to want to know how to get rid of fleas on kitten fast, however, resolving a flea infestation can be challenging and take time because both the pet and home environment are usually infested. For that reason, an important part of flea care for kittens includes environmental control:
• Wash bedding. Periodically wash your pet’s bedding in hot water and dry on a high heat setting or in direct sunlight to kill any flea eggs and larvae.
• Vacuum carpets. Regular vacuuming of carpets and rugs in your home is advisable, especially in areas where your pets tend to lounge.
• Cover crawl spaces and garbage bins. Deter wild animals that carry fleas from your home and surroundings, and block access to outdoor crawl spaces.
Flea Prevention for Kittens
Prevention is always better than cure and preventing flea infestations on kittens helps to keep your furry friend healthy and comfortable throughout their early development. Here are some of the best flea prevention methods for kittens:
Preventative Flea Medication for Kittens
There is a lot of ‘flea stuff’ for kittens on the market. Preventative flea meds for kittens come in various forms, including tablets, topical (spot-on) treatments and sprays. When selecting flea protection for kittens it’s important to check that the product is suitable for your kitten’s age and weight.
When choosing the best flea prevention for your kitten, you can’t go past NexGard SPECTRA® Spot-On for Cats. It treats and prevents flea infestations for at least 5 weeks and can be used from 8 weeks of age and 0.8 kg bodyweight. It provides the most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm, lungworm and intestinal worms (including tapeworms), all in one easy, monthly application.
Maintaining a Clean Environment
Keeping your kitten’s environment clean may help to reduce the risk of flea infestations or reinfestations:
• Washing Bedding: Periodically wash your pet’s bedding in hot water and dry on a high heat setting or in direct sunlight to kill any flea eggs and larvae.
• Vacuuming: Flea eggs and larvae can hide in carpets and upholstery. Regular vacuuming helps eliminate these pests from your home.
• Treating Other Pets: Ensure all pets in your household are on a flea prevention program all year round.
Regular Vet Check-Ups
Regular veterinary check-ups can help to monitor your kitten’s health and give kittens an advantage to remain healthy and flea-free. Your vet can recommend the best flea prevention products for kittens and guide you on how to use them.
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FAQ
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Is It Normal for Kittens to Have Fleas?
While it's common for kittens to encounter fleas, it’s important to promptly address a flea infestation. Fleas can cause discomfort and serious health issues, including anaemia in young kittens. They can also transmit disease to people. Regular flea prevention measures can help keep your kitten free of flea infestations.
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At What Age Can You Flea and Worm Kittens?
The minimum age and weight of parasite treatments varies depending on the individual product. It's best to consult your vet to determine the best parasite control program for your kitten.
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