My cat has little black specks in her fur, but I don't know what they are?

I do not think it is fleas, as I never see her scratch, and it is relatively localized to near the base of her tail. She is a white cat with medium length hair, so at first I thought it was just dirt, so I gave her a good brushing, but when I parted her fur I found them at the base too. She was not uncomfortable with me touching the area, and has no other symptoms that I can find. I am planning on giving her a bath soon, and if it does not improve in a few days I will take her to the vet. But if it happens to be nothing I would appreciate any information.