How Do I Know If My Cat Has Fleas?

The signs to look for, how to check at home, and what to do if you find them.

Quick Answer

Scratching, small dark specks in the fur, and visible fast-moving insects are the main signs of fleas.
A flea comb over a damp white paper towel is the easiest way to check at home.
Indoor-only cats can still get fleas, so it's worth checking even without obvious outdoor exposure.
Year-round prevention is more effective than treating an infestation after it's already taken hold.

Signs Your Cat Might Have Fleas

01 Frequent Scratching or Biting at the Skin

Excessive scratching, particularly around the neck, tail base, and back legs, is often the first sign owners notice.

02 Small Dark Specks in the Fur ("Flea Dirt")

This is flea droppings and looks like tiny black or dark brown specks. If brushed onto a damp paper towel, it tends to turn a reddish-brown colour.

03 Visible Fleas

Adult fleas are small, dark, and move quickly through the fur. They're often easiest to spot around the tail base, belly, and groin.

04 Hair Loss, Scabs, or Sore Skin

Repeated scratching and biting can lead to small scabs, redness, or thinning fur, particularly in cats with a flea allergy.

05 Restlessness or Disturbed Sleep

Some cats become noticeably restless or unsettled when dealing with a flea infestation, especially at night.

How Fleas Get Onto Indoor Cats

Fleas don't need direct contact with another animal outdoors to find their way onto your cat. They can be carried in on clothing or shoes, brought in by another pet, or hop indoors through an open door or window.

Once inside, fleas can lay eggs in carpets, bedding, and soft furnishings, which is why a flea problem can keep coming back if only the cat is treated and the home environment is overlooked.

How to Check Your Cat for Fleas

Use a fine-toothed flea comb and work through the fur in sections, paying close attention to the tail base, neck, and belly.
Comb onto a damp white paper towel so any debris is easy to see against the light background.
Check what falls onto the paper. Reddish-brown specks that appear after the paper is dampened are a strong sign of flea dirt.
Look closely at the skin itself for redness, scabs, or visible fleas moving through the coat.

Contact Your Vet Promptly If

A kitten has a heavy flea infestation, particularly with pale gums or noticeable weakness
Your cat seems unusually lethargic alongside signs of fleas

A severe flea burden can cause anaemia in kittens and small or unwell cats, which needs prompt veterinary treatment.

When to Contact Your Vet

Scratching continues despite using a flea treatment
You notice sore skin, scabs, or bald patches developing
You're not sure which flea product is suitable for your cat's age or health
The infestation keeps returning even after treating the home

How Pet Med Direct Can Help

Pet Med Direct stocks a range of flea prevention and treatment products suitable for cats, designed to be used regularly throughout the year rather than only when an infestation is already noticed.

If your vet recommends a prescription-only flea treatment for your cat's specific situation, Pet Med Direct can help with dispensing once your vet has issued a valid prescription.

Some treatments require a valid veterinary prescription. Pet Med Direct can only supply prescription medicines after the prescription has been checked. Always follow your vet's advice and the directions on the product label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can fleas live in my house without my cat having them?

Yes. Flea eggs and larvae can survive in carpets, bedding, and soft furnishings for some time, which is why treating the home alongside your cat is often necessary to fully resolve an infestation.

Can fleas bite people too?

Yes, fleas can bite humans, usually causing small, itchy red marks, typically around the ankles and lower legs.

How often should I use flea treatment on my cat?

This depends on the specific product, so always follow the directions on the label or your vet's advice. Many treatments are designed for regular, ongoing use rather than one-off application.

Why does my cat still have fleas after treatment?

This can happen if the home environment hasn't also been treated, if the product wasn't suitable for the level of infestation, or if reapplication is needed sooner than was used.

Do fleas cause anything other than itching?

Fleas can also transmit tapeworm larvae if swallowed during grooming, and heavy infestations can lead to anaemia in kittens or small cats.

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This this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice.
If you are concerned with your dog’s health, please consult a qualified veterinarian.