Lyme Disease in Cats: Can Felines Get Lyme Disease and What You Should Know About Ticks and Your Cat

Can cats get Lyme disease just like dogs and humans? While it’s uncommon in cats, ticks are still capable of transmitting Lyme disease through the bite of a tick. Cat owners need to understand how the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, such as Borrelia, can be spread by ticks and what this could mean for their feline companions.

When a black-legged tick or deer tick becomes attached to the skin, it may transmit the bacteria responsible for Lyme. Although many cats do not show signs of illness, others may display signs and symptoms of Lyme disease if bitten by an infected tick. Veterinary medicine offers ways to diagnose Lyme disease in cats and guide treatment for Lyme disease if necessary.

Knowing what to do if you find a tick on your cat or if your pet shows symptoms of Lyme disease is essential. From prompt removal of ticks to recognizing the clinical signs, there’s a lot for cat owners to keep in mind. Learn how to prevent Lyme disease, handle ticks safely, and when to seek help from your veterinarian. Keep reading to stay informed and protect your pet.

What Is Lyme Disease and How Does It Affect Cats?

Lyme disease is an infectious illness caused by a bacterium that can be spread through the bite of a tick. While most cases of Lyme disease are seen in dogs and humans, cats may become infected with Lyme disease if exposed to ticks carrying the Lyme disease bacterium. Though Lyme disease in cats is uncommon, it is still a potential health concern that affects animals in areas where ticks are found.

Understanding What Causes Lyme Disease in Cats

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium that is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick.

• The bacterium responsible is Borrelia burgdorferi, the primary cause of Lyme disease.
• It is carried by blacklegged ticks, a species of ticks known for spreading the infection.
• These ticks are capable of infecting cats once a tick attaches and remains long enough to feed.
• Lyme disease is spread when the tick is attached for 24–48 hours and transfers the bacterium into the bloodstream.
• Cats may become infected with Lyme disease after being bitten by ticks in outdoor environments.

The bacteria that cause Lyme disease originate from ticks carrying the infection, not from fleas or other insects.

How Ticks Transmit the Lyme Disease Bacterium

Ticks transmit Borrelia burgdorferi when they feed on the blood of a host, such as a cat.

• The Lyme disease bacterium is found in the gut of the tick and travels to its saliva during feeding.
• Adult ticks must remain attached to the skin long enough to allow the bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
• Only certain known species of ticks, especially blacklegged ticks, are known to be capable of infecting cats.
• Lyme disease may be transmitted to cats that are exposed to Lyme disease in endemic regions.
• Unlike fleas, ticks found in grassy or wooded areas are the primary source of infection.

Because ticks carrying Borrelia are capable of transmitting the infection to multiple hosts, including dogs and cats, knowing the signs of the disease and removing ticks promptly is essential.

Can Cats Get Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial illness that is common among humans and dogs, but cat owners may wonder if their pets are also at risk. While rare, cats may show indicators of Lyme disease under specific circumstances. The disease affects felines differently, making it harder to recognize or diagnose.

Why Lyme Disease Is Uncommon in Felines

Unlike dogs, cats are less likely to be diagnosed with Lyme disease, even in areas where the illness is widespread.

• Cats may show fewer or no noticeable symptoms, even when infected.
• Animals that display signs of illness from Lyme disease are more often dogs.
• The disease in dogs typically presents more clearly than in cats.
• When left untreated, cats may still not develop the same early indications of Lyme disease as seen in other species.
• There are fewer confirmed cases of Lyme disease in felines, making it uncommon but still possible.

Because cats often don’t show the classic signs of disease, Lyme disease in felines is frequently underrecognized.

How Cats Can Become Infected with Lyme Disease

Cats can become infected with diseases spread by ticks, particularly when a tick goes unnoticed.

• Infected ticks can enter homes or yards, putting ticks within reach of outdoor cats.
• The disease affects cats once the tick attaches and remains for 24–48 hours.
• If left untreated, the infection may progress without noticeable symptoms.
• Some cats that are treated with an appropriate antibiotic recover without long-term effects.
• Proper disposing of the tick (such as placing the tick in a jar) helps reduce risk to others, as ticks can transmit diseases to humans.

Preventing exposure and recognizing the potential for infection is key to keeping cats safe from Lyme disease.

How to Prevent Lyme Disease in Cats and Dogs

Preventing Lyme disease requires a proactive approach combining tick control, environmental management, and routine veterinary care. While Lyme disease is more commonly diagnosed in dogs, both species can be exposed to ticks that carry the Lyme disease bacterium. With the right precautions, pet owners can keep their animals safe from tick-borne diseases like Lyme.

1. Use Veterinarian-Approved Tick Preventatives

Applying regular tick control treatments recommended by your veterinarian helps protect both cats and dogs from ticks that may carry the Lyme disease bacterium.

2. Check Your Pet for Ticks Daily

After an outdoor activity, inspect your pet’s skin, ears, neck, and paws for attached ticks, especially in areas where blacklegged ticks are common.

3. Remove Ticks Properly and Promptly

Use gloves or tweezers to remove ticks—never touch the tick with bare hands—and place the tick in a jar in case testing is needed if symptoms develop.

4. Maintain a Tick-Free Environment

Keep your lawn trimmed, eliminate tall grass, and clear brush to reduce the presence of ticks within the outdoor areas your pets access.

5. Limit Outdoor Exposure in High-Risk Areas

Avoid allowing pets to roam in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas where ticks are more likely to be found and diseases like Lyme may be transmitted.

6. Schedule Regular Veterinary Visits

Routine checkups help detect early symptoms of Lyme disease and allow veterinarians to provide preventive care tailored to your pet’s risk.

7. Monitor for Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Watch for signs of infection such as lameness, fever, or behavioral changes, especially if your pet has recently had a tick attached or was exposed to tick-prone environments.

8. Keep Pets on Leashes During Walks

Walking pets on a leash helps prevent them from wandering into tick-infested areas such as tall grass or wooded zones where Lyme disease may be more easily contracted.

9. Avoid Contact with Wild Animals

Discourage interaction with wildlife like deer or rodents, which often carry ticks capable of transmitting Lyme disease to pets.

10. Use Tick Collars (Where Appropriate)

Tick collars offer added protection against ticks in high-risk areas, but they should only be used if approved by a veterinarian and appropriate for the specific animal.

11. Bathe Pets After Outdoor Activities

Bathing pets after spending time outside can help remove unattached ticks and provides an opportunity to check for early signs of ticks or skin irritation.

12. Protect Your Home Environment

Use tick control products indoors if needed, wash pet bedding regularly, and vacuum your home frequently to prevent ticks from spreading inside the house.

Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease is essential for early detection and treatment. While Lyme disease is more commonly diagnosed in dogs and humans, cats may still show subtle or delayed clinical signs if they become infected. Symptoms can vary depending on how long the infection has been present and whether the disease is left untreated.

• Lameness that may shift from one leg to another
• Stiffness or difficulty moving, especially after rest
• Lethargy and reluctance to engage in normal activities
• Fever that persists without an obvious cause
• Swollen joints or joint pain
• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Sensitivity to touch or changes in behaviour
• Swollen lymph nodes
• General signs of illness that resemble other conditions
• In rare cases, kidney complications in advanced stages

If your pet shows any of these symptoms after a tick bite or outdoor exposure, consult your veterinarian to determine if Lyme disease is the cause.

Effective Options for Treatment of Lyme Disease

Treating Lyme disease in pets, especially dogs and occasionally cats, involves early intervention and veterinarian-guided care. While Lyme disease is uncommon in felines, animals that become infected with Lyme disease require prompt treatment to avoid complications. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the Lyme disease bacterium and manage the signs of infection effectively.

1. Antibiotic Therapy Is the Primary Treatment

• The most common and effective treatment of Lyme disease in pets is a course of antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian.
• Doxycycline is often the antibiotic of choice, though others may be used depending on the pet’s health and tolerance.
• Treatment typically lasts for several weeks and may continue even after symptoms improve to ensure the bacteria are fully eliminated.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Medications May Be Prescribed

• If your pet displays symptoms like joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to ease discomfort.
• These medications help reduce the severity of the animal's clinical signs and improve overall mobility.
  Your veterinarian will choose a medication that’s safe and appropriate for either a dog or a cat.

3. Supportive Care Might Be Necessary

• In more severe cases, especially if the disease was left untreated, additional supportive care might be required.
• This could include fluids, nutritional support, or hospitalization in cases where multiple systems are affected.
• Supportive care is crucial for pets that show signs of illness beyond joint pain or lethargy.

4. Monitoring and Follow-Up Are Essential

• After beginning treatment, follow-up visits help your veterinarian monitor the pet’s response to therapy.
• Some animals may relapse or need extended antibiotic treatment to fully recover.
• Cats that are treated early may not display signs of Lyme disease, but ongoing monitoring ensures they remain safe from Lyme disease.

5. Early Diagnosis Improves Treatment Success

• The sooner Lyme disease is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment will be.
• Pets diagnosed with Lyme disease before complications arise typically respond well to antibiotics.
• Ignoring early signs or leaving the condition untreated may lead to chronic health issues, particularly in dogs.

What to Do When You Find a Tick on Your Cat

Finding a tick on your cat can be alarming, but prompt and careful action can reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases like Lyme. Ticks can transmit the Lyme disease bacterium if left attached for too long, so it’s important to remove the tick safely and monitor your cat for any signs of infection. Knowing the right steps to take can protect your feline’s health and help you respond effectively.

• Wear gloves before handling the tick to avoid direct contact with potential pathogens.
• Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your cat’s skin as possible without pinching the skin.
• Pull the tick out slowly and steadily, without twisting, to ensure the entire tick is removed.
• Avoid crushing the tick, as this may release infectious material.
• Place the tick in a sealed container or jar, which can be useful for testing if symptoms later occur.
• Clean the bite area with antiseptic and wash your hands thoroughly after removal.
• Dispose of the tick safely by flushing it down the toilet or sealing it in a bag before discarding.
• Do not use petroleum jelly, alcohol, or a hot match to try to remove the tick, as these methods are ineffective and may cause harm.
• Monitor your cat for early signs of Lyme disease, such as lethargy, lameness, or decreased appetite.
• Consult your veterinarian if you notice any signs of disease or if you're unsure about proper tick removal.

Final Thoughts

While Lyme disease in cats is uncommon, the risk posed by ticks should not be overlooked. Understanding how ticks transmit the Borrelia bacteria and recognizing early symptoms in your cat can help prevent serious health complications.

Regular tick prevention, environmental control, and veterinary care are essential for keeping your feline safe. If a tick is found on your cat, prompt and proper removal, along with close observation, is key.

Though many cats may never show symptoms, those that do require timely diagnosis and treatment to ensure recovery. By staying informed and proactive, cat owners can effectively protect their pets from tick-borne diseases like Lyme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cats get Lyme disease from ticks, and how common is it in felines?

Cats can get Lyme disease through the bite of infected ticks, but confirmed cases of illness in felines remain extremely rare. Consider:

Tick transmission: Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which spreads through the bite of infected black-legged (deer) ticks.

Feline resistance: Cats appear to be more naturally resistant to developing the clinical signs and symptoms of Lyme disease compared to dogs or humans.

Low diagnosis rate: While cats may test positive for exposure, they often show no symptoms and are rarely formally diagnosed.

Outdoor risk: Cats that roam outside in wooded or grassy areas are more likely to come into contact with infected ticks, though illness is still uncommon.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease in cats that owners should watch for?

Although rare, cat Lyme disease can result in vague symptoms that are easy to overlook. Consider:

Behavioral changes: Lethargy, general tiredness, reduced appetite, and withdrawal from interaction may occur.

Shifting lameness: Intermittent limping that seems to move from one leg to another could indicate joint inflammation.

Fever and discomfort: Some cats may have a mild fever, show signs of discomfort, or become more sensitive when touched.

Weight and grooming issues: Unexplained weight loss or changes in grooming habits, such as lack of self-care, may also develop over time.

How do veterinarians diagnose Lyme disease in cats, and what tests are used?

Diagnosing Lyme disease in cats involves evaluating symptoms, exposure risk, and blood test results. Consider:

Exposure history: Veterinarians often ask about the cat’s environment and potential exposure to tick-infested areas or seasons.

Antibody tests: Blood antibody tests, such as the C6 SNAP test, detect immune responses to Borrelia burgdorferi.

DNA detection: PCR testing may be used to look for the bacteria’s DNA in the blood, but results can vary in accuracy for cats.

Exclusion process: Diagnosis usually involves ruling out other illnesses that could cause similar symptoms, such as viral or autoimmune conditions.

What is the treatment for Lyme disease in cats, and how effective is it?

Lyme disease in cats, when it occurs, is typically treated with antibiotics and may include supportive therapies. Consider:

Antibiotic therapy: Doxycycline is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic, typically given over several weeks for best results.

Alternative medications: Depending on tolerance or specific health needs, other antibiotics like amoxicillin may be recommended.

Symptom relief: Anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medications may be used to help manage discomfort or stiffness.

Recovery outlook: When diagnosed early and treated properly, most cats respond well and recover without lasting complications.

How can I prevent Lyme disease and reduce the risk of finding a tick on my cat?

Reducing exposure to ticks is the most effective way to protect your cat from Lyme disease. Consider:

Vet-approved prevention: Use tick control products made specifically for cats, such as spot-on treatments, sprays, or tick collars.

Indoor lifestyle: Keeping cats indoors full-time or supervising outdoor activity can greatly reduce their exposure to ticks.

Routine checks: Check your cat's body regularly, especially around the head, neck, ears, and paws, where ticks often attach.

Tick-safe yards: Maintain a tick-free environment by mowing grass, removing brush piles, and creating barriers between wooded areas and your yard.