Fleas are one of the most common parasites affecting cats in New Zealand, and they’re not just a summer problem. Many cat owners don’t realise their cat has fleas until scratching, skin irritation, or flea dirt becomes obvious.
If you’re wondering how to see if your cat has fleas, this guide will walk you through the most reliable signs, how to check your cat properly, and what to do if you confirm fleas — including the most effective treatment options available in NZ.
Contents
- Why Fleas Can Be Hard to Spot on Cats
- Common Signs Your Cat May Have Fleas
- How to Check Your Cat for Fleas (Step-by-Step)
- What Is Flea Dirt?
- Behaviour Changes Linked to Fleas
- Can Indoor Cats Get Fleas?
- What to Do If You Find Fleas on Your Cat
- Best Flea Treatments for Cats in New Zealand
- Preventing Fleas Long Term
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Fleas Can Be Hard to Spot on Cats
Cats are excellent groomers. Unlike dogs, many cats will remove fleas through grooming before owners ever see the insects themselves. Fleas are also very small, fast-moving, and tend to hide in dense fur or around warm areas of the body.
Because of this, many flea infestations are first noticed through symptoms rather than seeing live fleas.
Common Signs Your Cat May Have Fleas
Here are the most common signs that suggest a cat may have fleas:
- Frequent scratching or biting, especially around the neck, back, or base of the tail
- Excessive grooming or over-licking certain areas
- Hair loss, particularly along the spine or hindquarters
- Small red scabs or sores (often referred to as miliary dermatitis)
- Restlessness or irritability
Some cats are allergic to flea saliva, meaning even a single flea bite can trigger significant itching and skin inflammation.
How to Check Your Cat for Fleas (Step-by-Step)
If you suspect fleas, a hands-on check is the most reliable way to confirm it.
1. Choose the right time
Pick a calm moment when your cat is relaxed. After feeding or during a quiet resting period often works best.
2. Use good lighting
Natural light or a bright lamp makes it much easier to spot flea dirt or movement in the coat.
3. Part the fur
Focus on these areas:
- Back of the neck
- Base of the tail
- Along the spine
- Under the belly
Look closely for small dark specks or quick movement.
4. Use a flea comb (if possible)
A fine-toothed flea comb can help pull out flea dirt or live fleas, especially in short-haired cats.
What Is Flea Dirt?
Flea dirt is one of the most reliable indicators of fleas. It looks like tiny black or dark brown specks, similar to ground pepper.
How to test flea dirt
- Place the specks on a white tissue or paper towel
- Add a drop of water
- If it turns reddish-brown, it’s digested blood — confirming flea dirt
This test is especially useful if you can’t find live fleas.
Behaviour Changes Linked to Fleas
Beyond scratching, fleas can cause noticeable behaviour changes in cats, including:
- Increased hiding or withdrawal
- Sudden aggression when touched
- Difficulty settling or sleeping
In severe cases, especially in kittens, flea infestations can contribute to anaemia.
Can Indoor Cats Get Fleas?
Yes — and it’s very common in New Zealand.
Fleas can enter the home via:
- People’s clothing or shoes
- Other pets
- Visiting animals
- Shared outdoor spaces like decks or garages
This is why year-round flea prevention is widely recommended, even for indoor-only cats.
What to Do If You Find Fleas on Your Cat
If you confirm fleas (or strongly suspect them), treatment should begin as soon as possible.
Effective flea control involves:
- Treating your cat with a proven flea product
- Continuing treatment long enough to break the flea life cycle
- Maintaining regular prevention
In New Zealand, oral and topical veterinary flea treatments are considered the most reliable options.
Best Flea Treatments for Cats in New Zealand
The following flea treatments are widely used and trusted in NZ and offer long-lasting protection when used correctly. For a more in depth read on best flea treatments, read our full deep dive into nz flea brands.
Bravecto Plus for Cats
Bravecto Plus is a topical treatment applied to the skin and provides long-lasting flea control.
- Protects against fleas for up to 3 months
- Also treats and controls intestinal worms and ear mites
- Ideal for owners wanting fewer treatments per year
This makes Bravecto Plus especially appealing for busy households or cats that dislike frequent applications.
NexGard Spectra for Cats
NexGard Spectra for Cats is an oral monthly chew designed for cats that tolerate tablets better than topical treatments.
- Monthly flea control
- Also covers intestinal worms
- No topical residue on fur
This option suits cats that groom heavily or households with children where topical contact is a concern.
Advocate for Cats
Advocate for Cats is a monthly topical treatment that provides broad parasite coverage.
- Flea treatment and prevention
- Controls intestinal worms
- Also treats ear mites
Advocate is often chosen by owners who want an all-in-one monthly spot-on solution.
Preventing Fleas Long Term
Once fleas are under control, prevention is key.
Best practices include:
- Using cat flea treatment year-round
- Sticking to a consistent treatment schedule
- Treating all pets in the household
- Vacuuming regularly during active infestations
Skipping doses or stopping treatment too early can allow flea populations to rebound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I see fleas on my cat?
A. Sometimes, but many owners only see flea dirt or notice symptoms rather than live fleas.
Q. How quickly do flea treatments work?
A. Most modern flea treatments start killing fleas within hours, but ongoing protection depends on consistent use.
Q. Should I treat my cat if I’m not 100% sure?
A. If signs strongly suggest fleas, treatment is often recommended — especially in NZ, where fleas are common year-round.
Q. Can fleas live in my house?
A. Yes. Flea eggs and larvae can survive in carpets, bedding, and furniture, which is why prevention is important even after fleas seem to disappear.