Unknown Bug?

by Rebecca

I was sitting around after just having picked up my cat, and found an unknown bug on my arm. It was small black and round, and had a sharp nose. It jumped very quickly and very far.

I don't know what it was, any suggestion?


I know it wasn't lice, but maybe a flea, or some other bug?


I've found some weird little black stringy things on my cat, very tiny, and they didn't move. Could these be connected?

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Hi Rebecca,

Sounds like you are referring to a flea. They do tend to hop quite a distance and are so very quick.


However, I would tend to describe fleas as more oval in shape rather than round, but I guess that's a matter of perspective. :)


It's probably a good idea to have a closer look at your cat to see if you can locate any further fleas.


The black stuff you are seeing on your cat could be "flea dirt," which is what I would call "flea poo." Basically, once the fleas suck the blood of your cat, they pass it in their waste and leave the resulting black specks on the fur and skin of the cat.


It's not a good idea to leave your pet untreated if it does have fleas. They don't go away on their own!


You can choose between getting a typical flea treatment from your vet or a local Walmart type store or pet store. Bayer makes Advantage and Advantix, and Frontline Plus is also a very popular brand that you use once per month.


There are also natural remedies that you can try to get rid of the fleas if that is your preference. Some people find garlic and/or brewers yeast to be quite effective in keeping fleas away from their cats.


Hope this helps you with your unknown bug problem.

Blessings,
Angie