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Cats can get Lyme disease, but they're significantly less susceptible than dogs or humans. That said, outdoor cats in tick-heavy areas are at real risk from ticks — and Lyme isn't the only tick-borne disease to worry about. Here's what adventure cat owners need to know.
Can Cats Get Lyme Disease?
Yes, but it's rare. Cats appear to have a natural resistance to Borrelia burgdorferi (the bacteria that causes Lyme disease) that dogs and humans don't have. Clinical Lyme disease in cats is documented but uncommon. However, cats can carry infected ticks into your home, putting you and your dogs at risk.
Tick-Borne Diseases Cats Actually Get
| Disease | Risk in Cats | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lyme Disease | Low | Rare clinical disease despite tick exposure |
| Cytauxzoonosis | High (in endemic areas) | Often fatal; transmitted by lone star tick |
| Haemobartonellosis | Moderate | Causes anemia; transmitted by ticks and fleas |
| Tularemia | Moderate | Serious bacterial infection; also from prey animals |
| Ehrlichiosis | Low–Moderate | Documented in cats |
Tick Prevention for Outdoor Cats
Prevention is far more important than treatment. Not all tick preventatives are safe for cats — many dog products are toxic to cats. Always use cat-specific products.
See: Best Flea & Tick Prevention for Outdoor Cats
How to Check Your Cat for Ticks
After every outdoor session in tick habitat, run your fingers through your cat's coat feeling for small bumps. Pay special attention to: around the head and ears, under the collar, between the toes, in the armpits, and around the tail base.
See: How to Check Your Cat for Ticks After a Hike
When to See a Vet
If you remove a tick, note the date and keep an eye on your cat over the next several weeks for changes in appetite, energy level, or mobility. If your cat develops fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or joint pain in the following weeks, see a vet. Mention the tick exposure.
Related Reading
- Best Flea & Tick Prevention for Outdoor Cats
- How to Check Your Cat for Ticks After a Hike
- What Vaccines Does an Outdoor Cat Need?
- My Cat Was Scratched or Bitten by Wildlife
- Adventure Cat Health & Safety: All Guides
- Adventure Cat Safety Checklist
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