Lyme Disease in Cats: What It Is, How They Get It & What It Does 🐱🦠

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Hello—I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian and Ask A Vet founder. Lyme disease is a well-known tick-borne illness in dogs and people, but what about cats? In this vet‑approved guide, I’ll explain what Lyme disease is, how it affects cats, and what symptoms to look for.

1. What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, spread through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (deer ticks). It’s common in dogs and people, but clinical disease in cats is very rare.

2. How Do Cats Get It?

• 🕷️ Tick bite: The bacteria are transmitted when an infected tick bites and remains attached for 24–48 hours.
• 🌿 Outdoor exposure: Cats that roam wooded, grassy, or brush-filled areas are at higher risk.
• 📍 Geographic regions: Lyme is most common in the northeastern U.S., upper Midwest, and parts of the West Coast.

3. What Does Lyme Disease Do to Cats?

While many cats test positive for Lyme exposure, very few ever show symptoms. If a cat does become clinically ill, symptoms may include:

• 🚶♂️ Lameness or joint swelling
• 🌡️ Fever and low energy
• 🥣 Decreased appetite
• 🧪 Rarely, kidney problems or neurological issues (e.g., facial paralysis)

Symptoms are often vague and could mimic other conditions, so diagnosis requires testing and veterinary evaluation.

4. Diagnosis & Treatment

• Diagnosis: Blood tests (antibody detection) are used, but may only show past exposure.
• Treatment: Symptomatic cats are treated with antibiotics—usually doxycycline—for at least 4 weeks.
• Prognosis: Most cats respond well to treatment and recover fully.

5. How to Prevent Lyme Disease in Cats

• 🛡️ Tick prevention: Use vet-approved flea/tick preventatives (like topical spot-ons).
• 🔍Tick checks: Inspect your cat’s skin and coat daily if they go outdoors.
• 🚫 No vaccines for cats: Unlike dogs, there’s no Lyme vaccine available for cats—so prevention is key.

📌 Final Thoughts from a Vet

While Lyme disease in cats is rare, it’s still possible, especially in outdoor explorers living in high-risk tick areas. Prevention with tick control is the best defense, and prompt vet care ensures a good outcome if symptoms ever arise. If your cat’s showing signs like limping, lethargy, or fever after tick exposure, contact your vet—and remember, Ask A Vet is always here to help. 🐾❤️