Can Cat And Dog Fleas Bite Humans

If you don t have a pet your fleabites could be coming from your yard or another person s animal.

Can cat and dog fleas bite humans. Bites from dog or cat fleas usually show as areas of red dots. Less often dog fleas ctenocephalides canis infest homes. Today most cat flea bites result in minor itchiness and discomfort on humans. Fleas from cats and dogs often bite below the knee usually on the ankles.

If these animals are associated around ones in the home fleas may migrate to pets and humans. In the united states the most common fleas are cat fleas. In fact it is only the human flea that comes in groups of two to three or even more at a time. If cat fleas are removed from their animal host or if that host proves an insufficient food source cat fleas often will bite humans on the lower legs leaving round red spots.

You can also get flea bites on the forearms if you have stroked or held your pet. They actually are not insects but tiny crustaceans though their bite is similar to that of the cat flea. There are thousands of species of fleas and most animals have a specific flea species that prefers that animal as its host. Cat and dog fleas prefer furry hosts.

First dog fleas need dog blood to eat. If dog and cat fleas are dissatisfied with their animal hosts they can transfer to nearby humans. Dog fleas many wildlife species carry fleas as well. Dog fleas aren t picky parasites either and will gladly draw blood from your cat.

Fleas do not live on humans but they can still bite us. Flea bites resemble small bright red spots and often appear on the lower legs and arms. Is the cat flea ctenocephalides felis which also infests dogs and can bite humans. While the flea that dogs typically carry can and do jump over to humans and bite us the dog flea cannot survive on humans.

Humans can be bitten by so called sand fleas which usually are found at the beach and in coastal areas. Be aware that other causes may result in human skin irritation including other pests allergic reactions to medications or even ingrown hairs. Fleas prefer tall grass and shaded areas near decks. The short answer is that fleas on humans may bite people but they won t live on you.

Fleas will seek out your dog or cat as their preferred host and blood meal. For most people flea bites result in nothing more than minor itchiness and discomfort. These can live on both cats and dogs so don t let the name confuse you. After receiving a flea bite if possible refrain from scratching the affected area.