Insect · GBIF taxon 1419472
Cat Flea
Ctenocephalides felisCat fleas are agile, flightless parasites equipped with specialized hind legs that enable them to leap over a hundred times their body length. Their laterally compressed bodies allow them to glide effortlessly through the dense fur of cats, dogs, and wild mammals. Adult fleas feed exclusively on host blood, while larvae develop in nearby bedding and carpets by consuming flea dirt passed by adults.
ParasitePestJumping
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Cat Blood
- Dog Blood
- Human Blood
Predators
- Grooming Host Mammals
- Pseudoscorpions
- Nematodes
ThreatsInsecticides, grooming, pest control measures
HabitatsIndoors, pet bedding, mammalian dens, urban areas
Life span2–3 months
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderSiphonaptera
- FamilyPulicidae
- GenusCtenocephalides
- SpeciesCtenocephalides felis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Bites cause severe itching and allergic dermatitis, and can transmit tapeworms or bacterial infections.
- Why it is dangerous
- Transmits bacterial pathogens like Bartonella and intestinal tapeworms while causing allergic dermatitis through itchy saliva.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Tiny, reddish-brown, laterally flattened insects that jump rapidly when disturbed.
- What to do
- Wash bites with soap and water, apply anti-itch cream, and treat pets with proven preventatives.
Responsible observation
- Pet Care: Treat domestic pets regularly with veterinarian-approved preventative treatments.
- Home Sanitation: Vacuum carpets and wash pet bedding frequently in hot water to break the life cycle.
- Bite Relief: Wash flea bites with soap and water and avoid scratching to prevent secondary infections.
Parasite (c) Joel Mills, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Fedaro / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) carnifex, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by carnifex · cc-by
Family Member CDC/Dr. Pratt / Public domain · cc0
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