If you've noticed your cat has been scratching more than normal, they could be hosting tiny parasites known as cat fleas. You may wonder how your cat became infested and how you get rid of fleas. Read on for the answer to those questions and more about cat fleas.

How Did My Cat Get Fleas?

According to the British Pest Control Association, fleas can jump more than 100 times their own body length. Some have even been found to jump 200 times their length! These jumping skills help these non-flying parasites to travel easily from the ground to a new host, or from host to host.

Animals commonly found in your back garden — such as foxes, mice, squirrels and others — more than likely carry fleas, the type of which will vary between the different species. They can leave behind fleas or larvae in your garden, and some of those fleas could potentially enter your home by hitch-hiking on you or a pet coming in from outdoors. Fleas can easily jump between cats and dogs alike, no matter the species.

Your cat could even simply have attracted a flea by sitting peacefully in front of their favourite window.

How to Identify Fleas on Your Cat

Just a couple of fleas (female and male) can turn into a major infestation in a short time, as a single female can lay up to fifty eggs a day, according to the RSPCA. The most obvious sign of a flea infestation is a cat obsessively scratching their body or appearing to nibble at their skin. The PDSA says that you might also notice:

• Bald patches or rough/spiky fur.
• Sore or irritated skin.
• Rashes or bites.

If you suspect your cat has fleas, run a fine-tooth comb through their coat while they stand on a white piece of paper or a white towel. If they do have fleas, you'll more than likely dislodge tiny black specks (flea faeces), which turn red if you moisten the paper. You can see fleas with the naked eye, so you may even be able to easily spot a few fleas on the white background.