Cat flea eggs may be deposited on the host or in debris. Which statement is true?

• A. On the host only
• B. In debris only
• C. Both are true
• D. Neither

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that flea eggs are not tightly attached and can be laid on the host but often fall into the surrounding environment. After a female fleas feeds, she will lay eggs that drop off into the animal’s bedding, carpets, cracks, and other debris, where they hatch and develop. At the same time, some eggs can remain on the host for a time, especially if grooming is limited or infestation is light. Therefore, both sites are valid deposition locations, making the statement that both are true the best choice. This also explains why effective flea control targets both the pet and the environment, since eggs deposited in debris continue the life cycle even if eggs on the animal are removed or killed.