Ctenocephalides felis felis

This species of flea is a mere 2mm long, it is red/brown in colour and is flattened
The cat flea have large jumping legs. Their mouthparts are adapted to sucking, biting and piercing.

After mating, the female can lay many hundreds of eggs in batches after each blood meal. The eggs are lain in the cat's fur, bedding, any areas wherever the cat is found. The eggs are less than a millimetre in size and are white, oval in shape. The larval stage occurs after the egg and which is (again) white in colour and legless. It is covered in large bristles. The larvae are not blood - suckers but feed on organic debris which is found in the cat's bedding and general living area. When the larvae has matured, it is about 0.5 cm long and spins a cocoon. This pupates and (when triggered by stimuli e.g. vibration) emerges to feed on the cat.

Cats and dogs are the preferred host for this type of flea, however, they are more than capable of feeding upon humans. Their bites (on both cats and humans) can cause irritation and distress.
Control

Treatment

To treat this pest, it must be first identified and the source of the infestation found. Also the host animal will be advised to take their pet along to the local veterinary centre for treatment. A residual insecticide can then be applied to the site of infestation and any areas frequented by the host.