Which stage of the cat flea is responsible for sucking blood?

The adult stage of the cat flea is the one responsible for sucking blood. Adult fleas possess specialized mouthparts that enable them to pierce the skin of their host and feed on blood, which is essential for their survival and reproduction. After mating, female fleas require a blood meal in order to produce eggs, making this stage crucial in the life cycle of fleas and their impact on pets and humans.

The other stages—eggs, larvae, and pupae—do not engage in blood feeding. Eggs are laid by adult fleas and hatch into larvae, which primarily feed on organic debris. The larval stage is focused on growth and development rather than feeding on blood. Pupae are a transitional stage where the flea is encased in a cocoon and does not feed at all until emerging as an adult. Understanding these distinctions is important for effective pest management and control strategies.