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Animal profile

Cat flea

Ctenocephalides felis

InsectaThe fur of domestic and wild mammals, with larvae developing in carpet, bedding and nest debris

Field profile

The cat flea is a laterally flattened, wingless insect around two millimetres long that feeds on the blood of mammals. Adults live on the host; eggs fall off and larvae develop in floor debris, feeding on organic matter including adult flea faeces. It is the most common flea of domestic pets.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2023-04-20

Cat flea

Most fleas found on dogs are cat fleas

Ctenocephalides canis exists, but in most of the world the flea taken from a dog is Ctenocephalides felis. The cat flea is a poor specialist and an excellent generalist, feeding on cats, dogs, humans, ferrets and a long list of wild mammals.

Read with evidence →

Cat flea | Daily Animal Facts