Signs your cat has fleas, and what to do next

Even indoor cats can get fleas. They hitch a ride on your clothes, other pets or visitors. Because cats are such careful groomers, they often lick away the evidence, so fleas can go unnoticed for a while.

Common signs

• Scratching or biting at the skin, especially around the neck, back and base of the tail
• Over-grooming, which can leave thin patches or bald spots
• Small scabs or bumps along the back and neck
• Restlessness, or twitching skin
• Flea dirt: tiny black specks in the coat or bedding
• Seeing fleas: small, fast-moving reddish-brown insects
• Tiny bites on you, often on the ankles

How to check your cat

1. Set your cat on a white towel.
2. Use a fine-toothed flea comb along the back, neck and base of the tail.
3. Tap what you comb out onto a damp white tissue.
4. If black specks turn reddish-brown, that's flea dirt (digested blood). You have fleas.

What to do next

See your vet for the right treatment

This is the most important step. There are many flea treatments, and not all are safe for cats. Some ingredients used in dog flea and tick products can be very dangerous to cats.

Treat every pet in the house

If one pet has fleas, they all do, or soon will. Treat all of them as your vet advises.

Treat the home

Most of the flea population lives in your home as eggs and larvae, not on your cat.

• Wash all bedding, blankets and soft toys in hot water.
• Vacuum floors, sofas and corners daily for a couple of weeks, and throw away the vacuum contents outside.
• Clean cat trees and favourite resting spots.
• Our tick-proofing guide covers home cleaning steps that also help with fleas.

Bathing a cat with fleas

A bath alone won't solve a flea problem, but a gentle wash can help a very dirty coat. Use only a shampoo labelled safe for cats, like our Puppy & Kitten Shampoo, and follow our cat bathing guide. Ask your vet how a bath fits with the flea treatment they recommend, as some treatments shouldn't be washed off soon after applying.

When it's urgent

See your vet quickly if your cat seems weak, has pale gums, or is a young kitten with fleas. Heavy flea burdens can cause anaemia, especially in kittens.