Final answer:
Adult cat fleas feed on liquid blood, and they require blood meals in order to reproduce. They are ectoparasites that can feed on different mammals and are responsible for transmitting various pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adult cat fleas feed on liquid blood. These parasites are known as heterotrophs, like many other animals, deriving energy from various food sources, particularly feeding on the blood of their hosts which is rich in nutrients.
Fleas are ectoparasites, meaning they live on the external surface of their hosts. When it comes to feeding, they specialize in consuming liquid blood, using their mouthparts designed to pierce the skin of their host and suck blood directly from the bloodstream. It's important to note that adult fleas must feed on blood in order to reproduce effectively, making them an obligate blood feeder. Furthermore, these parasites are not species-specific; they can feed on the blood of various mammals, including dogs, cats, and sometimes humans.
Understanding the diet of fleas is essential as it relates to their role in transmitting diseases. For instance, fleas can carry and spread pathogens such as tapeworms and the bacteria responsible for cat scratch disease among others. Therefore, controlling flea infestations is crucial for the health of pets and can also contribute to the wellbeing of humans.