Fleas in Cats in Dubai: A Guide for Pet Owners

How do cats get fleas?

Cats can get fleas in several ways:

• Direct contact with infected animals, including stray cats, dogs, and even wildlife that frequent residential areas.
• Picking them up from contaminated grass, sand, or surfaces in parks, gardens, and communal areas.
• Indoor transmission through clothing, shoes, other pets or visitors who may carry flea eggs or larvae, which means even indoor-only cats can get fleas.

Recognising the signs of fleas

Fleas can be difficult to spot, especially on cats who are meticulous groomers. However, their presence often causes irritation, so paying attention to changes in your cat’s behaviour is important. Common signs include:

• Excessive scratching or biting, particularly around the neck, base of tail, and inner thighs
• “Flea dirt”, tiny black specks on the fur that turn reddish when moistened (this is digested blood that has passed through the flea). You can often see it on your cat’s skin, bedding, or favourite resting spots.
• Hair thinning or bald patches
• Red, irritated skin or scabs. In some cases, a cat may develop Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD), a severe allergic reaction to flea saliva that causes intense itching and scabs, even from just one or two bites
• Restlessness or agitation
• In severe cases, pale gums or lethargy due to anemia. This is more common in very young kittens or very old cats

The paper towel test

To confirm if flea dirt is present, brush your cat over a damp white paper towel. If the black specks turn reddish-brown when moistened, it’s digested blood from fleas.

Risk factors for flea infestations

While all cats are at risk, some factors can increase the likelihood of a flea infestation:

• Cats that spend time outdoors are at a much higher risk of picking up fleas from the environment or other animals.
• Living with other pets, as fleas can easily spread between them.
• Cats with longer, thicker coats (fleas are harder to detect).
• Recently adopted or rescued cats.
• Fleas can carry a type of tapeworm, so catching fleas also increases the risk of cats getting tapeworm.

Diagnosis of fleas in cats

Professional vs. home diagnosis

While obvious infestations are easy to spot, subtle cases may require professional evaluation. Your veterinarian can distinguish fleas from other skin conditions common in the region, such as:

• Sand mite infestations
• Allergic reactions to dust or pollen
• Bacterial skin infections
• Other parasites, like ticks or lice

When to seek veterinary care

• Symptoms persist despite flea treatment
• Severe scratching without visible fleas
• Skin lesions or excessive hair loss
• Signs of anaemia (pale gums, weakness)
• Multiple pets are showing symptoms

Managing a Flea Infestation

Effective treatment involves two steps:

1. Treat Your Cat

Multiple options are available:

• Prescription spot-on treatments:
  • Applied on the skin, between the shoulder blades
  • Kill adult fleas and may prevent reproduction
• Oral medications:
  • Fast-acting tablets that kill fleas within hours
  • Especially useful for severe infestations
• Injectable treatments:
  • Longer-lasting options (up to 6 months)
  • Ideal for cats difficult to medicate at home

Important safety notes:

• Never use dog flea products on cats – some contain permethrin, which is toxic to cats
• Always follow weight-based dosing instructions
• Avoid bathing for 48 hours after spot-on application

Cats with flea allergies or skin irritation may also need:

• Soothing skin products
• Anti-itch or other medication

2. Treat Your Home

• Vacuum carpets, furniture, and curtains regularly
• Wash bedding at over 60°C and tumble dry
• Use household flea sprays that kill eggs and larvae

Can fleas from cats affect humans?

Yes. While fleas prefer to live on cats and dogs, they can and will bite humans. Flea bites can cause itchy, red bumps and, in rare cases, transmit diseases. This is why treating both your pet and your home is so important.

Prevention

Prevention is far more cost-effective and less stressful than treating established infestations.

• Use flea prevention products year-round, even for indoor cats
• All pets must be treated simultaneously, as fleas readily transfer between cats, dogs, and other mammals.
• Groom your cat regularly to check for signs
• Wash bedding weekly and vacuum often
• Limit contact with stray animals

Worried about fleas affecting your beloved cat? Modern Vet Hospital in Dubai offers comprehensive flea treatment and prevention services tailored to the UAE’s unique climate challenges. Our experienced veterinary team understands the specific parasite concerns facing Dubai cat owners and provides personalised treatment plans to keep your feline friend comfortable and flea-free. Book your consultation today and give your cat the protection they deserve. Our caring team is committed to keeping your pet healthy, comfortable, and free from the irritation and health risks associated with flea infestations.