Despite the name, cat fleas are the species most often responsible for flea problems in both cats and dogs, and they will readily bite people too. They are usually brought indoors on a pet and can multiply rapidly once established in carpets, upholstery, and pet bedding.
Flea bites typically appear as small, itchy red bumps, most often around the ankles. Effective control requires treating the pet, the home, and outdoor areas simultaneously, since eggs and larvae can persist in carpet fibers for weeks after adult fleas are gone.