The cat flea is about 1/16 inch long, dark brown, and flattened from side to side. It has strong hind legs and can jump from the host dog or cat to other surfaces. The immature stages are maggot like.

(Ctenocephalides felis) The adult flea remains on the host and periodically sucks blood. The eggs are laid in the fur but they fall to the ground. The larval stages are in carpeting or other substrates and feed on organic matter and the dried blood feces of the adult flea.

Animals should be treated to reduce the adult fleas. Vacuuming will remove eggs and larval food from carpet, but not the larvae. Shampooing will kill larvae, insecticide treatment will also provide control.