Are the tiny black bugs on my new kitten's fur actually fleas?

Fleas are typically dark brown, mobile and somewhat oval. Often, they are accompanied with dark, specs of dried blood at tail base. If you could post a picture, I believe we could provide more information.

Cute kitty. This is likely a flea and actually you can bathe kitty as early as 2 weeks of age, since that is when most kitties can regulate their own body temperature. Fleas are very small and move very fast. They can cause itching and also they can carry tapeworms which can come out in the stool and look like little grains of rice. And actually Pinky is old enough for topical Revolution flea prevention, which is ok to give to kitty’s who are at least 6 weeks of age. Ask your vet for a prescription, since this is not available over the counter. But you can go ahead and bathe Pinky now, just blow dry him a bit to speed up the drying process if it is cold temperature where you are. I hope this helps and best wishes with your kitty and these fleas. Take care.

Cute kitty! These look like they could be flea larvae. You could give this kitty a bath using a mild cat shampoo and then apply a flea preventative. You also might want to have your veterinarian examine this kitten to make sure it is healthy in general and to discuss routine deworming and vaccines.

Hello. If you are seeing little black bugs crawling around, then Chance has fleas. Most flea collars do not work & sprays are not very effective. You will be better off using a topical like Advantage for cats, Frontline GOLD or Bravecto topical for cats ( this one lasts 3 months ). Only after the flea problem is addressed can you start doing something about the itching ( which may very well resolve once the fleas are gone ). Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, I am sorry to hear about Luna. It is possible that the debris you are seeing on her fur could be flea dirt, a byproduct that is present when animals have fleas. If Luna is not currently on a flea product I would recommend applying a topical product designed specifically for cats. If the debris does not resolve or gets worse having Luna seen by your veterinarian to make sure there are no other abnormalities on her skin is reasonable. Hope this helps, good luck!

It sounds like this brown stuff is flea dirt. I'm not sure if you were already treating her for fleas but if you aren't, I recommend giving her capstar. It's a one time pill that starts killing fleas in 30 minutes. Then follow up with a spot on treatment such as advantage or revolution. This is a treatment that has to be used once a month. You have to disinfect the home as well. Wash your bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the carpet and furniture services. I would use a spray such as Indorex to kill the fleas in the house, or you may have to use the flea bomb to kill them all.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From your pictures the black squiggly thing looks like "flea dirt" or flea poop. When you wet it on a white paper towel it melts to blood. They usually don't move though unless you had a flea. I would start a good flea preventative like Comfortis, Bravecto or the Seresto collar. I hope this helps and I wish you and Livvy the best!