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My cat has black dots and scratches a lot. Is it fleas? What do I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | 15 lbs

My cat scratches a lot and these small black dots are on her back in different spots. What can I do for her and what are they? Can I send a picture? Thank you

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 16th, 2023

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. This looks like flea dirt. If you put "cat flea dirt" into a Google search you will see many photos that resemble this. I suggest you get her a GOOD flea prevention and treat your house and/or yard for fleas. You can bathe her if she will let you with Dawn dish soap. Use the dish soap sparingly as it is very concentrated. Be sure to rinse it off thoroughly. You should only need to bathe her once. Bathe her either 24 hour before OR after applying the topical flea medication. If you can't bathe her, don't worry too much about it. Once the medication kicks in and you treat the environment her clinical signs will resolve. I have linked some products for you below: ( https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/223965_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=120766 ) ( https://www.amazon.com/Virbac-Knockout-Treatment-Spray-16-Ounce/dp/B00AT6FY6A/ ) ( https://www.amazon.com/Black-Flag-Killer-Concentrate-Treatment/dp/B071XPK8M8/ ) Be sure to continue to use a topical flea prevention on her EVERY MONTH. Watch her poop closely in the coming months as often cats will get tapeworms from ingesting fleas. If you see any worms (look like grains of rice) on her poop or around her anus you should take her to your vet to get a dewormer. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    From the picture, it looks like the black dots are probably flea dirt (this is like the poop that fleas leave after feeding). Fleas are also a common cause of itching and scratching in cats. It can take several months of treatment to completely get rid of fleas, and the prescription flea preventatives available from your vet will help a little better than the ones over the counter. This article linked below discussed treatment, including how to treat your home! https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/flea-infestation

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