Can Cats Get Lyme Diseased? What Every Pet Owner Should Know
Let’s be honest if cats had a say in medical literature, they’d probably deny any disease could touch their majestic fur.But jokes aside, many pet owners ask: Can cats get Lyme diseased like dogs or humans? The answer is a bit layered.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know from signs and symptoms to how to protect your whiskered friend from the tick-borne troublemaker called Lyme disease. Spoiler: your cat might be tougher than you think!
What Is Lyme Disease Anyway?
Before we dive into the feline-specific stuff, let’s understand what Lyme disease is.
Lyme disease is caused by a sneaky little bacterium named Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of infected ticks, most commonly the black-legged tick (a.k.a. deer tick). This disease is a pretty big deal in dogs and humans. It can cause fatigue, joint pain, fever, and in extreme cases, serious organ issues.
But can cats get Lyme diseased in the same way? Well… they can technically be infected, but that doesn’t mean they’ll get sick.
How Common Is Lyme Disease in Cats?
Let’s get this straight: cats can be infected with Lyme disease, but actual symptoms? Very rare. It’s like cats getting into your laptop bag—possible, but highly unlikely unless they’re feeling extra chaotic.
Most studies, including those by Cornell Feline Health Center and the Merck Veterinary Manual, show that cats exposed to infected ticks may test positive for Lyme, but rarely show symptoms.
So why don’t cats get as sick as dogs?
Why “Can Cats Get Lyme Diseased” Isn’t a Straightforward Question
The keyword here is clinical disease. Exposure ≠ illness.
Here’s what makes cats Lyme-resistant:
Super grooming powers: Cats obsessively clean themselves, often removing ticks before they latch on.
Ticks play favorites: Ticks seem to prefer dogs and other mammals over cats.
Immune advantage? Cats might be naturally less reactive to the bacteria. Scientists are still figuring that part out.
What Are the Signs of Lyme Disease in Cats?
If your cat does start to show symptoms (again, super rare), they could resemble what’s seen in dogs or people. Here’s what to look out for:
Unusual tiredness (yes, even more than their usual 16-hour nap)
Loss of appetite
Fever
Swollen joints
Limping or stiffness
Sensitivity to touch
But remember, these signs are not exclusive to Lyme disease.They could point to a dozen other feline issues. If you notice multiple symptoms, especially after a tick encounter, it’s time to see the vet.
How Do Vets Diagnose Lyme Disease in Cats?
So, you might still be asking: Can cats get Lyme diseased and test positive? Yes,they can. But a positive test result doesn’t always mean they’re sick.
The Diagnosis Process
If your cat’s showing signs and had tick exposure, a vet may perform:
ELISA test: Detects antibodies to the Lyme bacteria.
Western blot: Confirms exposure.
PCR test: Looks for the bacterium’s DNA.
However, a positive test alone isn’t enough.Vets must also see clinical signs that fit. In most cases, a cat might test positive but still be perfectly fine.
How Is Lyme Disease Treated in Cats?
H3: Can Cats Get Lyme Diseased and Need Medication?
If your cat does have symptoms and tests suggest Lyme disease, treatment usually involves antibiotics—most often doxycycline.
Typical course: 4 weeks
Possible side effects: nausea, vomiting, and (our favorite) extreme drama if they hate pills
Sometimes, pain relief or fluids are also needed
Keep in mind: early treatment gives better results.And if your cat seems to be bouncing back quickly, don’t stop the meds early. Let the full course work its magic.
How to Prevent Lyme Disease in Cats
Okay, let’s shift gears from “can cats get Lyme diseased?” to “how do we prevent it altogether?”
Ticks are tiny but ruthless. Prevention is your best bet. Here’s how:
Vet-approved tick preventatives (spot-ons, sprays, or collars)
Regular grooming and tick checks, especially after outdoor adventures
Yard maintenance: Mow grass, clear brush, and avoid tick-prone areas
Indoor living: The fewer wild jaunts, the lower the risk
Can Indoor Cats Get Lyme Diseased?
Unlikely, but not impossible. If you have dogs, other pets, or even an adventurous human who hikes in the woods,ticks can hitch a ride into your home.So even indoor cats can benefit from basic tick prevention.
Other Tick-Borne Risks & Coinfections
Ticks are multitaskers (unfortunately).Besides Lyme, they can carry:
Anaplasmosis
Ehrlichiosis
Babesiosis
While these are also rare in cats, they can be more serious if combined with Lyme.If your cat has unusual symptoms and a history of tick exposure, vets may test for multiple infections.
Is There a Lyme Vaccine for Cats?
Not yet! Dogs have a vaccine, but for cats, no approved Lyme vaccine is available.Some experimental vaccines are in early research, but nothing on the shelf right now.
So again, prevention is the real hero here.
Where Is Lyme Disease Most Common?
If you’re wondering where your cat is most at risk, here’s a quick breakdown of high-risk zones:
Northeast U.S.
Upper Midwest
Pacific Northwest
Parts of Canada and Europe
If you’re in one of these regions and your cat goes outside (or your dog does), you need to be extra vigilant.
Can Cats Spread Lyme Disease to Humans?
Nope your cat isn’t going to infect you directly. But that doesn’t mean there’s no risk.
What’s the real danger?
Ticks hopping from your cat onto you or your family.That’s why regular checks (and vacuuming like a lunatic) are smart practices.
So while your cat won’t turn into a walking biohazard,they can be a taxi service for ticks if unprotected.
Cat Owner’s Quick Action Plan
Here’s a fast checklist to stay tick-smart:
✅ Use a vet-recommended tick preventative
✅ Check your cat regularly for ticks, especially after outdoor time
✅ Watch for signs of illness
✅ Keep your yard tidy and tick-free
✅ Call your vet if something feels “off”
✅ Don’t panic most cats handle tick exposure like pros
References & Trusted Sources
Final Word: Can Cats Get Lyme Diseased?
Technically? Yes. Practically? Rarely.
While cats can get Lyme diseased (meaning they may be infected), they almost never show serious symptoms.Thanks to their over-the-top grooming routines and quirky immune systems,they usually dodge the bullet.
But that doesn’t mean you should ignore the threat. A tick bite is still a potential problem.Prevention is easy, and regular checkups are smart.
So stay calm, stock up on those flea-and-tick treatments, and maybe give your cat an extra cuddle if they allow it.
