What is the primary characteristic of the cat flea?

The primary characteristic of the cat flea is that its larvae are legless and they feed on dry, undigested blood. The larval stage of the cat flea is an important aspect of its life cycle and survival. These larvae are not equipped with legs, which makes them rely on their environment for nourishment and protection. They feed on organic debris, including the digested blood that adult fleas expel, which is an essential food source for them as they develop into adult fleas. This trait is crucial for understanding the biology and control methods for managing cat flea populations.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the defining features of the cat flea. For instance, cat fleas thrive in warm and humid conditions rather than cold and dry. They are not associated with causing tick paralysis, which is a phenomenon linked to certain tick species rather than fleas. Additionally, while cat fleas may occasionally infest dogs, they are primarily ectoparasites of cats, making the statement about them being common pests of dogs less precise. Understanding these characteristics is essential for effective pest control and management strategies.