Which ectoparasite is known to primarily attack domestic animals like cats and dogs?

The cat flea is primarily known for its association with domestic animals, especially cats and dogs. These fleas are specifically adapted to infest pet species, and their presence can lead to discomfort and health problems for the animals. The cat flea is adept at jumping long distances to find a host, and it thrives in warm, humid environments, facilitating its spread among pets.

While other ectoparasites mentioned, like the stick tight flea, itch mite, and body louse, do affect animals or humans, they do not specifically target domestic pets to the same extent as the cat flea. The stick tight flea, for instance, is more commonly associated with birds and can occasionally affect pets but is not the primary ectoparasite for dogs and cats. Itch mites can cause scabies in animals but are not as prevalent as the cat flea in domestic settings. Similarly, body lice primarily infest humans and are not relevant to pets. Overall, the cat flea is the most significant ectoparasite concerning domestic cats and dogs and is linked directly to well-known pet-related health issues, making it the correct answer.