Yes, cats can get Lyme disease, but it is rare and they show different signs than dogs do

Cats can be infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, but infection in cats is uncommon. When it does happen, cats rarely show obvious symptoms the way dogs do. A cat infected with Lyme disease may seem fine for months or years, or may develop subtle signs like limping, fever, or loss of appetite. Because cats hide illness well and Lyme symptoms in cats are vague, many infected cats go undiagnosed.

The same tick that spreads Lyme disease to humans and dogs — the deer tick, also called the black-legged tick — can infect cats. However, cats are thought to be naturally more resistant to the bacteria than dogs are. Cats also spend less time in tall grass and wooded areas where ticks live, depending on whether they go outdoors.

Key Takeaways

  • Cats can contract Lyme disease from infected ticks, but infection is much less common in cats than in dogs.
  • Infected cats may show no symptoms at all, or may limp, run a fever, or lose appetite without an obvious cause.
  • A blood test can detect Lyme disease in cats, though a positive test does not always mean the cat is sick.
  • Keeping your cat indoors or using tick prevention medicine reduces the risk of tick bites and Lyme infection.
  • Antibiotics can treat Lyme disease in cats if symptoms develop, but prevention is more effective than treatment.

How cats get infected with Lyme disease

Cats get Lyme disease the same way humans and dogs do: through a bite from an infected deer tick. The tick must be attached to the cat's skin for at least 24 to 48 hours to pass the bacteria into the bloodstream. Ticks are most active in spring and fall, though they can attach to animals in any season in warmer climates.

Outdoor cats face higher risk than indoor cats. Cats that hunt in tall grass, brush, or wooded areas encounter ticks more often. Even a single tick bite can transmit Lyme disease if that tick carries the bacteria. Indoor cats rarely encounter ticks unless they live in a home where ticks are present or they spend time on a porch or patio where ticks can climb onto them.

Signs of Lyme disease in cats

Cats infected with Lyme disease often show no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they tend to be mild and easy to miss. The most common sign is lameness or limping, usually in one or more legs. A cat may suddenly favor one paw, walk stiffly, or seem reluctant to jump or climb stairs.

Other possible signs include fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, or swollen joints. Some cats develop kidney disease months or years after infection. Because these symptoms are vague and could point to many different conditions, a cat showing them needs a veterinary exam to determine the cause. Many infected cats never develop noticeable illness and carry the bacteria without becoming sick.

How vets test for Lyme disease in cats

A veterinarian can order a blood test to check for antibodies to the Lyme disease bacteria. The most common test is called a SNAP test, which gives results in the clinic within minutes. A positive SNAP test means the cat has been exposed to the bacteria at some point, but does not necessarily mean the cat is currently sick or will become sick.

If the SNAP test is positive, the vet may order a second test called a Western blot to confirm the result. This test takes longer but is more specific. The vet will also do a physical exam and ask about the cat's symptoms and history. A positive test combined with symptoms like lameness or fever suggests active Lyme disease, while a positive test in a cat with no symptoms may mean past exposure with no current illness.

Treatment and recovery

Cats diagnosed with Lyme disease are treated with antibiotics, most commonly doxycycline. The course of treatment usually lasts two to four weeks. Most cats respond well to antibiotics if they are started early, though some cats may take weeks to show improvement even after treatment begins.

Cats that have no symptoms but test positive for Lyme disease may not need treatment. Your veterinarian will discuss whether treatment is necessary based on your cat's age, overall health, and any symptoms present. Even after successful treatment, a cat can be reinfected by another tick bite, so prevention remains important.

Preventing Lyme disease in cats

The most effective way to prevent Lyme disease in cats is to prevent tick bites. For indoor cats, this means keeping them indoors and checking yourself and other pets for ticks before entering the home. For outdoor cats, tick prevention medicine is the best option.

Several prescription tick prevention products work in cats, including topical treatments applied to the skin monthly and oral medications given by mouth. Your veterinarian can recommend which product is best for your cat based on age, weight, and health status. Removing ticks promptly also helps — if you find a tick on your cat, remove it with tweezers by grasping it close to the skin and pulling straight out, then dispose of it. Checking your cat regularly during tick season, especially if your cat spends time outdoors, catches ticks before they have time to transmit disease.

The difference between cats and dogs with Lyme disease

Dogs are much more likely to show symptoms of Lyme disease than cats are. An infected dog often develops lameness, fever, and swollen joints within weeks of infection. Dogs can also develop a serious kidney disease called Lyme nephritis months after infection. Cats, by contrast, rarely show symptoms even when infected, and Lyme nephritis in cats is extremely uncommon.

This difference may be because cats are naturally more resistant to the Lyme bacteria, or because they have different immune responses than dogs. Regardless of the reason, it means that a positive Lyme test in a cat is less likely to mean the cat needs treatment than a positive test in a dog would be. Your veterinarian will consider your individual cat's situation when deciding whether treatment is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Lyme disease from my cat?

No. Lyme disease is spread by tick bites, not by contact with an infected animal. You cannot catch Lyme disease from petting, handling, or living with a cat that has the disease. However, if your cat brings ticks into your home, those ticks could bite you, so removing ticks from your cat promptly is still a good idea.

Should I have my indoor cat tested for Lyme disease?

Testing an indoor cat with no symptoms is not usually necessary. Indoor cats have very low risk of tick exposure. If your indoor cat develops symptoms like limping or fever, your vet may recommend testing to help determine the cause, but a positive test alone in a healthy cat does not mean treatment is needed.

What should I do if I find a tick on my cat?

Remove the tick as soon as you notice it. Use tweezers to grasp the tick close to your cat's skin and pull straight out with steady pressure. Do not twist or squeeze the tick. Place it in a sealed bag or container and dispose of it. Wash your hands afterward. If the tick has been attached for less than 24 hours, the risk of disease transmission is very low.

Can my cat get Lyme disease more than once?

Yes. A cat that has been infected once can be infected again by another tick bite. Having had Lyme disease does not provide lasting protection. This is another reason tick prevention remains important throughout your cat's life, especially if your cat spends time outdoors.