What would cause black spots (small flakes) in cat fur?

Question

I noticed fleas on my cat so I decided to treat it with some flea and tick killer. A couple of days after the treatment, I was combing through her coat (with flea comb) and noticed; for one there were still feas, and two there were a bunch of black specs that were showing up all over in her fur. My first assumption was flea eggs but I really have no clue. She is itching alot and I can tell that it is irritating her. Any suggestions

Answer 1

its the flea poop, even though your cat may not like it, you'll have to give her a flea bath to get everything off of her

Answer 2

These black flakes are flea dirts (poos) and are the number one sign that fleas are still present. You can't see flea eggs, they're microscopic.

If the treatment you used was from a store, it isn't going to have worked, quite simply.

You have to get a treatment from a vets, these are the only one's that actually work and are safe. Frontline, Revolution, Advantage - all good. And you need a spray for your house as well, because all the fleas you're seeing on your cat are only 5% of the actualy flea population - the rest is in your house.

Chalice

Answer 3

The black grit is flea droppings and flea eggs. Anything you use over the counter, as you have found, is not effective in treating fleas. Go to your vet and buy either Advantage or Revolution. These are the two most gentle and most effective flea controls for your cat. Apply to the back of the neck once a month. No flea baths, dips or house bombs needed.

Answer 4

You would be correct in your assumption, those black flecks are a combination of dead fleas and their eggs. Many flea remedies will cause fleas to become infertile, so you must wait for them to die off. If it seems that they should be gone or the product promised to kill the fleas themselves then you may want to tackle the matter further. Fleas also can reside in your furniture and carpets so its not always enough just to treat your cat. They also make things for carpets etc. that can help rid your whole house of the little pests. If the itching still persists or worsens I would suggest giving your vet or a local groomer a call to inquire further about steps that you can take.

Answer 5

The black specks are flea eggs, Fleas lay them in bunches, Your a long way of solving this problem. You have to get some really good flea shampoo, get some welders gloves and give your cat some really good flea baths, mind the eyes of course, and watch the ears, when wet, fleas like to hide there. Use flea powder on the carpets and throw out any mats or pillows that your cat likes to rest on. Fleas and their eggs can wait dormant for many years, just waiting for a victim. I've found that living on sandy soil is bad too. It took me many months to clear the flea problem. cause even though your cat may be clear, her enviroment may not be, so she's being re-infected, Get a good flea collar, one recommended by the vet, one too strong may cause neck issues, I wish you well. Be patient, cause once you have fleas in the house, they will start feeding on you and really be a bugger to get rid of.

Answer 6

It is flea poop--digested blood from adult fleas. Add a drop of water to it and it will turn red as proof. Flea eggs are WHITE and nearly invisible. Use a good safe product like Advantage or Frontline (not Hartz or other department store garbage). It will take several weeks for all new hatching fleas to emerge and die.

Answer 7

My aunts cat had similar black specs around its chin area. The vet said it was feline acne caused by eating from plactic food bowls. But if your cats specs are through out its coat i would suggest a trip to the vet to rule out/prevent possible infestation. hope this helps!

Answer 8

If you can bathe her, use "Adams flea and tick shampoo" its the best, all that will be gone, just follow the very easy instructions, and then treat her, her bed, and whatever else needs treating.

Answer 9

Maybe dandruff or lice~