Can cats get Lyme disease?

Quick answer

Cats can be exposed to Lyme bacteria, and many cats in high-risk areas test positive. But illness from Lyme is rare in cats, and evidence is limited: CAPC says clinical disease has not been described in naturally infected cats. Ticks still matter, so ask your vet about a cat-safe tick preventive. Never use dog tick products on cats.

Can cats get Lyme disease?

Cats can be bitten by blacklegged ticks and exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. In areas where Lyme is common, many cats have antibodies, which shows exposure. What is far less clear is whether cats actually get sick from it.

Veterinary sources are cautious here. CAPC says clinical disease has not been described in cats infected naturally (outside of research settings), and the Merck Veterinary Manual calls it rare. In short, exposure is common in some areas, but illness appears to be uncommon, and there is still a lot researchers don’t know.

What signs should I watch for?

Because Lyme illness is so rarely documented in cats, there is no well-established list of “Lyme symptoms” for cats. A cat that is limping, feverish, tired, or not eating needs a vet visit no matter the cause. Cats can hide illness well, so changes in appetite, activity or grooming are worth noticing.

If you remove a tick from your cat, note the date and where it was attached, and mention it to your vet.

Testing and treatment

A positive blood test in a cat shows exposure to the bacteria. It does not prove the cat is sick from Lyme. Your vet will consider other causes for any signs.

If a vet decides treatment is needed, the Merck Veterinary Manual lists doxycycline or amoxicillin. It also notes that doxycycline in cats should be given as a liquid or with food, because the pills can injure a cat’s esophagus. Cats that have trouble swallowing or vomit after doxycycline should be checked by a vet. We don’t list doses; your vet decides.

Preventing ticks on cats

• Use only products made for cats, and only after talking with your vet, as the CDC advises.
• Keep cats away from a recently treated dog, and follow the product label.
• Check outdoor cats for ticks when they come in, especially around the head, neck and ears.
• Remove ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick tool, pulling straight up without twisting.
• Limit time in tick habitat such as tall grass, brush and leaf litter when you can.

The Lyme vaccines described by the Merck Veterinary Manual are licensed for dogs, not cats. For tick control in a home with both dogs and cats, see our dog prevention guide.

Can my cat give me Lyme disease?

No. The CDC says there is no evidence that pets spread Lyme disease directly to their owners. But outdoor cats can carry ticks into your home, where a tick could bite a person. Learn which ticks carry Lyme disease, what to do after a tick bite, and how to prevent Lyme disease in your family.

Frequently asked questions