The "dirt" you might find in your cat's fur is commonly flea dirt.
Understanding Flea Dirt
Based on analysis, when you observe small specks resembling dirt in your cat's coat, it is frequently flea dirt. This substance is explicitly defined as being made up of small specs of blood that fleas have sucked out of your cat.
What Finding Flea Dirt Indicates
According to one explanation, the presence of flea dirt has a specific meaning: your cat has fleas. This indicates that fleas have either been present in your cat's fur recently or are currently living there. Therefore, spotting flea dirt is a clear sign that a flea infestation is likely the cause of the "dirt" you are seeing.
Identifying Flea Dirt
Identifying flea dirt involves knowing where and how to look. The reference mentions that the first step in identifying this ailment is knowing where to look. Flea dirt often looks like tiny dark or black specks, sometimes described as comma-shaped.
Here is a simple way to test if the specks are flea dirt:
- Brush your cat over a light-colored surface, such as a piece of white paper towel or cloth.
- Collect any small, dark specks that fall onto the surface.
- Place a drop of water onto the collected specks.
- If the specks dissolve and turn reddish-brown or orange, it confirms they are flea dirt, which is dried blood.
Finding flea dirt is a strong indicator that you should check your cat for live fleas and consider appropriate flea treatment options.
