Cat fleas look like in the photo

Cat fleas are the most common species of the flea family. Insects differ vitality and fitness. They parasitize not only on cats, but also on dogs, birds, they are aggressive towards people. This type of pest is one of the strongest - when migrating to rodents is completely crowded out rat fleas. If you know what a cat flea looks like, especially its breeding and parasitism, the fight against a dangerous pest will be greatly simplified.

How to recognize cat fleas

Cat fleas look the same as their close relatives: canine, rat. Only a narrow-profile entomologist is able to distinguish one species from another. The parasite is characterized by its small size and dark brown shiny color. The length of the imago varies from 2–5 mm. A fertilized female, in which eggs are formed, increases in size up to 15 mm.

The cat flea in the photo has a very threatening appearance because of its flat forehead, close-set eyes, and an abundance of bristles that densely cover the body. These peculiar teeth allow the parasite to move freely in the fur of a cat or other animal.

Fleas

The wings of the insect are absent, their presence would prevent them from moving in the thick cover of the victim. The lack of flying ability is more than compensated by the jumping ability, which is provided by 3 pairs of legs. The hind legs are especially developed, in the muscular part a special protein, resilin, is accumulated, due to which a flea is able to overcome a distance of 200 times its own size in one jump.

Interesting!

Fleas are famous for their jumps, but during landing they are absolutely helpless and cannot project the landing site exactly. Insects do not suffer damage solely due to their low weight.

From dog flea cat differs oblate shape of the forehead, and from rat - a more even body structure and smaller size. Identify these differences can only be in the photo of cat fleas or a detailed examination under a microscope.

Features of parasitization and reproduction

The oral system of cat fleas is designed in such a way that they can only feed on blood. Because of the short proboscis during the meal, the parasite is practically upright and part of its body is in the wound. All adults feed on blood regardless of gender.

Cat fleas

Prey fleas choose, focusing on fluctuations in temperature, the smell of the victim. Jumping on a cat or other animal, the parasite makes several punctures. Having satisfied enough, leaves the donor's body and begins to actively mate. Embryos form in the body of the female. The female does not differ in the quality of the hen and squeezes the eggs out of itself during movement.During her life, the female reproduces from 300 to 500 embryos.

On a note!

Cat flea eggs have a smooth shell and miniature sizes of 0.5 mm. Most of them are concentrated in the litter of the cat, occasionally they may be in the pet's fur. The absence of a sticky substance on the shell and the peculiarity of the reproductive function of the female ensure the distribution of eggs throughout the room or the surrounding space to the flea concentrations.

Under favorable conditions, the development of eggs occurs within 5-10 days, after which of them appear fleshy worm-like larvae. Newborn individuals feed on organic debris, the waste products of adults. They are not usually found in cat fur. The younger generation is hiding in the secluded dark corners of the apartment. In the presence of food supply and favorable temperature conditions, after 9 days the larvae pass into the pupation stage.

The life span of the parasite

How many cat fleas live, depends on environmental conditions, the ability to fully eat. Optimal conditions for vital activity:

• humidity 60%;
• temperature 24-28 ° C.

With such indicators of temperature and humidity, a cat flea lives for 1.5 years (including the stages of eggs, larvae, pupae), provided that it dies a natural death.However, in the natural environment, the average life expectancy does not exceed 3 months. At temperature increase stages of development occur faster and the duration of the life cycle is greatly reduced.

Stages of development of a flea

Lowering the temperature slows the development of the insect at all stages, and at temperatures below 3 ° C the parasites die.

Interesting!

Cat fleas for 2 months can live without food. During starvation diets, they do not fall into hibernation and continue to move actively. Lack of nutrition affects only the reproduction of the population. Eggs do not form in the body of a hungry female.

What are dangerous cat fleas

Parasites do not mask during the bite and do not inject anesthetic substances at the puncture site. The composition of the flea's saliva contains an enzyme that has a protein structure and provokes the appearance of allergic reactions. Flea Bite Symptoms:

• pain sensations;
• severe itching;
• the appearance of red blisters and swelling.

Regular attacks of bloodsuckers can lead to a weakening, reduced immunity, cat anemia. Fleas carry about 25 dangerous viruses, helminth eggs, therefore, it is necessary to fight parasites at the first signs of their appearance.

Feedback

Detect fleas in cats very easy. They ate a pet with light hair - just spread the hair with a comb and you will notice small dark dots moving in the hair. To inspect a cat with a dark color, it is better to spread a white sheet - combing brown insects will fall off and be easily recognized on a light background.

Julia, Saratov

How to rid the cat of fleas

There are many ways to deal with cat fleas. Of folk remedies recognized as the most effective tar soap. Regular water treatments with a tar detergent will help destroy blood-sucking insects and prevent their occurrence.

Industrial funds are divided into several categories:

1. Anti-flea shampoos In their composition contain insecticidal substances or plant extracts that promote the expulsion and destruction of jumping pests. The tool is selected based on the age of the cat, health, pregnancy. Most shampoos solve flea problems in a single treatment. Effective ones are considered Meadow and Leopard.
   
   

   Flea shampoos
2. Flea drops for cats - the easiest to use tool. They are available in pipettes with a specific dosage. The tool is applied to a place inaccessible for pet licking. Insecticidal substances spread throughout the skin, concentrate in the upper layer of the epidermis and have a destructive effect on fleas. The destruction of parasites occurs within 24 hours. Drops provide long-lasting protection against repeated blouse invasion for 2-3 months. Means have age restrictions and depend on the manufacturer. Depending on this, pet owners may, at their discretion, choose a drug: 4 with a tail, Front line, Delicious, Rolf Club 3D, Barrier, Dana Ultra Neo, Stronghold, Advantagege, Blohnet, Celandine, Helminthal, Inspector other. About their properties can be found in detail in the veterinary pharmacy.
3. Sprays for effects on fleas have a lot in common with drops. The difference means in its application. Sprays are available in polymer bottles equipped with a spray head. 2 days before the procedure, the cat is not bathed. Apply spray evenly over the whole body in accordance with the instructions in the instructions. Sprays have proven their worth. Front line and Leopard. After the tool dries, the pet is combed. Within 2 days after treatment, the cat is contraindicated water procedures and contact with other animals.
4. Overshoe Collars perform a protective function. The inner part of the strap is impregnated with an insecticidal solution, the active ingredient of which has a detrimental effect on blood-sucking insects. Against cat fleas, many prefer to buy collars Beaphar, Celandine, Leopard.

Flea collars

Extermination of cat fleas in the apartment

Causes of fleas in the apartment, the house can be several. And not always the culprit becomes a pet. Basement, garret parasites can penetrate through engineering communications, it is possible to bring insects on clothes, shoes.

Events for the destruction of fleas are reduced to a thorough cleaning of the apartment and insecticide treatment. Aerosols and solutions prepared from concentrates, emulsions have a destroying imago. Places where there may be eggs and larvae of the cat flea are additionally treated with dusty powders.