Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 17, 2025

Author Spotlight: Coproparasitoscopic Examination of Dog Stools for Control and Prevention of Zoonotic Parasite Diseases
Published on: December 15, 2023
Risk factors associated with flea infestation on cats
N Azrizal-Wahid1,2,3, M Sofian-Azirun4, V L Low1
1Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Fleas are the common cause of skin disorders in cats. They are well-known for transmitting various pathogens to both cats and humans. Accordingly, this study was conducted to gain insights on the risk factors associated with flea infestation on cats. Flea combing conducted on 426 cats from four distinct regions in Peninsular Malaysia revealed a relatively high rate of flea infestation on 306 cats (71.83%). A total of 651 fleas were collected, all of them were identified as Ctenocephalides felis with the total intensity of 2.13 and abundance of 1.53. The sex ratio of fleas was female-biased at 2.5:1 (♀=464, ♂=187). Statistical analysis of the data revealed that flea infestation was significantly (P<0.05) associated with several risk factors including region, age, weight, status (stray, sheltered, pet), body condition, and hair length. Higher flea prevalence was also observed in female cats (77.99%), big-sized cats (91.76%), stray cats (84.94%), cats with clean body condition (73.35%), and cats with long hairs (78.38%) as compared to their contemporaries within the same comparison variables. The high infestation of fleas in this study is indicative of cats as a flea reservoir particularly C. felis. Thus the findings of this study and the knowledge gained on the risk factors can be used to develop and improve control measures and management of flea infestations.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Correlation and Causation
Correlation versus Causation
If the dependent variable increases or decreases when the independent variable increases, there is a positive or negative...
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
Asthma-I: Introduction
Types of Toxins
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...

