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What are these tiny black moving specks on my cat's fur?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 5 lbs

My cat has these little black worm looking things on her fur.. we thought it was dirt but then we looked at it with a microscope and they moved! My other cat does not have them and I don’t know what they are?!

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on February 15th, 2018

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!

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7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 14th, 2017

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If the small squiggly black worms are on the skin or fur it is the flea poop. Not actually a worm. To check comb some of the fur and use a white wet paper towel and wipe it off the comb. The flea poop melts and looks like blood droplets. I hope this helps! Attach a photo if I am wrong!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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