What is Lyme Disease in Cats?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection primarily affecting dogs and humans, but cat parents often wonder if their pets are at risk. This illness, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and spread through tick bites, can lead to serious health problems such as fever, joint inflammation, and organ damage.

While Lyme disease is rare in cats, understanding its symptoms, prevention, and treatment can help protect your feline companion.

Can Cats Get Lyme Disease?

Full-blown Lyme disease in cats is uncommon, even when bitten by infected ticks. Cats’ immune systems seem to manage the bacteria differently, which may explain why they rarely show symptoms. However, cats are not immune and can still suffer from other tick-borne diseases.

Outdoor cats, especially those in wooded or grassy areas, are at the highest risk of tick exposure and potential infection.

Lyme Disease Symptoms in Cats

Although most cats do not develop symptoms, those that do may show signs similar to infected dogs or humans. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
  
• Reduced appetite
  
• Lethargy
  
• Lameness
  
• Joint pain or swelling
  
• Swollen lymph nodes
  
• Weight loss
  

Other infections, such as anaplasmosis, can cause similar symptoms and require veterinary diagnosis.

Diagnosing Lyme Disease in Cats

Because Lyme disease is rare in cats, diagnosis can be challenging. If your veterinarian suspects Lyme disease, they may perform a physical exam, blood tests, and lab work to detect bacterial infection or rule out other illnesses.

Lyme Disease Treatment for Cats

As with dogs, Lyme disease in cats is treated using antibiotics like doxycycline. Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to ease joint pain or stiffness.

If your cat has been bitten by a tick or shows signs of illness, schedule a veterinary visit right away to confirm the cause and begin appropriate treatment.

Lyme Disease Prevention for Cats

Preventing Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses starts with proactive care. Pet parents can protect their cats through consistent use of preventives, safe tick removal, and limiting outdoor exposure.

Tick Prevention

Using trusted flea and tick preventives is one of the most effective ways to protect your cat. Always use products designed specifically for cats. Options include:

• Revolution PLUS
  
• Bravecto for Cats
  
• Credelio for Cats
  

Safe Tick Removal

If you find a tick on your cat, remove it carefully with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling straight out without twisting or crushing the tick. Clean the bite area with an antiseptic afterward to reduce infection risk.

Keeping Cats Indoors

Keeping your cat indoors—or providing a secure outdoor enclosure like a catio—greatly reduces their risk of tick exposure.

When to See a Veterinarian

Consult your veterinarian if:

• A tick has been attached for more than 24 hours
  
• Your cat develops fever, lameness, or lethargy
  
• The bite area appears red, swollen, or infected
  
• You notice unusual behavior or appetite changes after outdoor activity
  

Final Word on Lyme Disease in Cats

Lyme disease is extremely rare in cats, but prevention and vigilance remain important. Regular tick prevention, indoor living, and safe removal techniques can help keep your cat protected. If you suspect Lyme disease or any tick-borne illness, contact your veterinarian promptly.

For reliable flea and tick prevention, visit Cat Flea and Tick Control at 1-800-PetMeds to explore trusted products that help safeguard your pet’s health.

FAQs About Lyme Disease in Cats

Can indoor cats get Lyme disease?
It’s rare, but possible. Indoor cats can be exposed if ticks are brought inside by people or other pets.

How long after a tick bite do Lyme disease symptoms appear in cats?
Symptoms may appear within days or weeks, but most cats show no noticeable signs of infection.

Can Lyme disease in cats go away without treatment?
While cats’ immune systems may manage the infection naturally, veterinary evaluation is always recommended to rule out complications.

What is the best prevention for Lyme disease in cats?
Using vet-approved preventives like Revolution PLUS and keeping your cat indoors are the best defenses against ticks and tick-borne illnesses.