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.

Fleas prefer tall grass and shaded areas near decks. In fact it is only the human flea that comes in groups of two to three or even more at a time. They actually are not insects but tiny crustaceans though their bite is similar to that of the cat flea. After receiving a flea bite if possible refrain from scratching the affected area.

Dog fleas many wildlife species carry fleas as well. You can also get flea bites on the forearms if you have stroked or held your pet. There are thousands of species of fleas and most animals have a specific flea species that prefers that animal as its host. While the flea that dogs typically carry can and do jump over to humans and bite us the dog flea cannot survive on humans.

Bites from dog or cat fleas usually show as areas of red dots. The short answer is that fleas on humans may bite people but they won t live on you. These can live on both cats and dogs so don t let the name confuse you. Dog fleas aren t picky parasites either and will gladly draw blood from your cat.

Flea bites resemble small bright red spots and often appear on the lower legs and arms. For most people flea bites result in nothing more than minor itchiness and discomfort. Though they don t usually live on nonfurry hosts such as humans they can and do bite people. Fleas from cats and dogs often bite below the knee usually on the ankles.

Today most cat flea bites result in minor itchiness and discomfort on humans. If dog and cat fleas are dissatisfied with their animal hosts they can transfer to nearby humans. Less often dog fleas ctenocephalides canis infest homes. 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.

Fleas do not live on humans but they can still bite us. The most common flea species in the u s. Is the cat flea ctenocephalides felis which also infests dogs and can bite humans. Fleas will seek out your dog or cat as their preferred host and blood meal.

In the united states the most common fleas are cat fleas. Be aware that other causes may result in human skin irritation including other pests allergic reactions to medications or even ingrown hairs. Humans can be bitten by so called sand fleas which usually are found at the beach and in coastal areas. First dog fleas need dog blood to eat.