Cat Flea

The cat flea is an extremely common parasitic insect whose principal host is the domestic cat, although a high proportion of the fleas found on dogs also belong to this species. This is despite the widespread existence of a separate and well-established "dog" flea, Ctenocephalides canis. Cat fleas originated in Africa but can now be found globally. As humans began domesticating cats, the prevalence of the cat flea increased and it spread throughout the world. Scientific Name: Ctenocephalides felis Range: Worldwide Size: 1—3 mm Status: Pest ID Notes: Tiny, dark brown, laterally flattened. Wingless. Powerful jumping hind legs. Behavior / Notes: Most common flea on BOTH cats AND dogs in North America. Vector of cat-scratch disease and tapeworms.