Can cats get lyme disease?

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You run your fingers through your cat’s fur, and there it is — a tiny, round bump. A tick.

Your heart skips a beat.

Maybe your cat’s been acting a little off lately. Sleeping more. Not eating much. Or maybe they’re just fine. Still, the question lingers in your mind: Can cats get Lyme disease from ticks? And if they do, what happens?

It’s a scary thought, especially when we’re used to hearing about Lyme disease in humans and dogs — but not cats. Yet, those little parasites don’t discriminate.

If your cat goes outside, this is something you need to know.

They can — but here’s the complicated part: it’s rare and often overlooked.

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacterium spread through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. These ticks are small, sneaky, and thrive in grassy or wooded areas — the exact kind of places many curious cats love to explore.

But unlike dogs and humans, cats seem to have some natural resistance. That’s why it doesn’t get talked about much. Most cats exposed to the bacteria don’t show signs. Still, some do, and when they do, it’s not always easy to spot.

And just because it’s uncommon doesn’t mean it’s harmless.

How Do Cats Get Lyme Disease from Ticks?

Only one way: a tick bite.

When an infected tick latches onto your cat and stays attached for over 24 hours, it can transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Not all ticks carry it, but you can’t tell just by looking.

You might not even realize your cat was bitten — ticks often hide in the fur, behind the ears, under the collar, or between the toes. That’s what makes them so dangerous.

Even indoor cats aren’t entirely safe. If you live in a tick-prone area and you or another pet brings a tick home, your cat could be next.

What Are the Signs of Lyme Disease in Cats?

Here’s the tricky part: cats are excellent at hiding pain. That makes it hard to notice something’s wrong until it’s progressed.

So what should you watch for?

Subtle but profound warning signs:

Limping that seems to switch from one leg to another
Difficulty jumping or climbing
Unusual stiffness or a slow, sore walk
Low energy or sudden laziness
Loss of appetite
Fever or warm ears
Hiding, irritability, or not wanting to be touched
Swollen joints or lymph nodes

Some signs could be mistaken for old age, a minor injury, or just “a lazy day.” But if they show up after a tick bite, especially in the summer or fall, don’t ignore them.

Your cat can’t tell you they’re in pain — they’ll just retreat. That’s why noticing small changes matters.

Can Cats Die from Lyme Disease?

It’s rare, but yes — Lyme disease can be fatal in cats if it leads to complications and goes untreated.

The infection can severely affect the kidneys, nervous system, or heart. There have been reports of Lyme nephritis (a serious kidney problem linked to Lyme) in cats, though it’s much more common in dogs.

The good news? If you catch it early, treatment works. Most cats recover well with proper care.

So, while death is uncommon, the risk is real, and the safest path is always early detection and prevention.

How Is Lyme Disease Diagnosed?

If your vet suspects Lyme disease, they’ll likely run a blood test to check for antibodies against Borrelia. But that’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Some cats may test positive because they were exposed but show no symptoms. Others may have symptoms but test negative early in the infection.

That’s why vets look at:

Your cat’s medical history
Recent tick exposure
Physical exam results
Any changes in behavior or appetite

Sometimes, treatment is started based on suspicion alone — especially when the signs match and your cat has been in tick-heavy areas.

Treatment: What Happens If Your Cat Has Lyme?

Thankfully, treatment is straightforward in most cases.

Your vet will usually prescribe antibiotics — typically doxycycline — for several weeks. Some cats start feeling better in just a few days, though the whole course is still necessary.

Supportive care like fluids, pain relief, or hospitalization might be needed in more severe cases. But again, that’s rare.

The earlier you treat it, the better the outcome. So trust your gut — if something feels off, act quickly.

Can You Prevent Lyme Disease in Cats?

Yes, and you should.

Ticks aren’t just annoying — they’re dangerous. Protecting your cat is the best way to avoid Lyme disease entirely.

Here’s what you can do:

Use vet-approved flea and tick preventatives (never use dog products — they can be toxic to cats)
Check your cat daily if they go outside — run your hands over their body and look for bumps
Keep your yard tidy — ticks love tall grass and leaf piles
Limit outdoor time during tick season (spring through fall)
Avoid wooded or brushy areas where ticks hide
Keep other pets protected, too — dogs can bring ticks inside

And if you find a tick? Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove it gently. Grasp it close to the skin and pull it straight out. Clean the area, wash your hands, and monitor your cat for changes.

FAQs About Cats and Lyme Disease

Can cats be asymptomatic carriers of Lyme disease?

Yes. Some cats test positive but never get sick. Even so, regular monitoring is essential.

How long after a tick bite could symptoms appear?

It can take weeks. That’s why it’s important to remember any recent tick bites if your cat starts acting strange.

Can my cat pass Lyme disease to other pets or people?

Lyme disease isn’t contagious between cats, dogs, or humans. But the tick that bit your cat could bite you next — so stay alert.

Is there a Lyme vaccine for cats?

No — not at this time. There is a dog vaccine, but cats don’t have one yet. That makes tick prevention even more critical.

Do indoor cats need tick prevention?

Yes, if there’s any chance they could be exposed. Ticks can hitchhike into your home on shoes, clothing, or other pets.

A Gentle Reminder Before You Go

It’s easy to assume our cats are invincible — especially when they always land on their feet and act like tiny, independent lions. But even the fiercest feline can fall victim to something as small as a tick.

Lyme disease in cats isn’t common, but it’s not impossible either. It hides quietly and shows up subtly, which makes awareness your biggest ally.

So, if your cat goes outside, check them. Use the proper protection. Keep an eye on how they move, eat, and rest.

And if something feels off — even just a little — don’t second-guess it.

Your cat counts on you, not just for food or cuddles, but for care that could save their life. That kind of love is quiet, constant, and powerful. Just like them.