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How do I know if my cat has Lyme disease?
How long does it take a cat to get Lyme disease?
How long after a tick infection does a cat show symptoms?
Mar 8, 2024 · Your cat can show early signs of Lyme disease as early as four weeks after they’ve been bitten. Can Cats Get Lyme Disease? The short answer is yes — cats can get Lyme disease.
Lyme disease occurs much more frequently in dogs than in cats. When infected, cats may show lameness, fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, or difficulty breathing. Lyme disease can also affect the kidneys, joints, nervous system, and heart. Many cats do not show noticeable signs, despite being infected.
Jul 20, 2023 · Even when they are infected, many cats won’t show any symptoms until the disease has caused more significant damage. This will take place usually around four weeks after the initial bite. It’s important to keep an eye out for these symptoms if you suspect your cat has Lyme disease: Fever; Lameness or limping; Lethargy and fatigue ...
Soon afterward, the pathogens move into the bloodstream, and the early signs of Lyme disease will usually become evident within four weeks of infection: fever, lethargy, diminished appetite, and apparently painful stiffness and swelling in the muscles and joints.
- How Is Lyme Disease Spread?
- Signs of Lyme Disease in Cats
- Diagnosing Lyme Disease in Cats
- Treatment of Lyme Disease in Cats
- Preventing Lyme Disease in Cats
- Final Thoughts
Lyme disease is caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi.1 Ticks do not carry Lyme disease itself. They can only carry — and spread — the bacteria that cause it. Not all ticks are infected with the bacteria, so if you find a tick on your cat, it doesn’t mean the cat was exposed to Lyme disease. A tick must feed on an animal o...
The majority of cats with Lyme disease never show any signs of the disease. Reports of actual clinical signs due to Lyme disease in cats are few and far between, and it’s believed to occur mostly in the laboratory setting. If you have found ticks on your cat, consult your veterinarian and stay on the lookout for signs, whichcan take up to 4 weeksto...
If you suspect that your cat has Lyme disease, your vet will want to go over your cat’s history with you. That will include your cat’s medical history, when you first noticed the signs, how often your cat goes outside, the areas that they frequent outdoors, and anything else that may have led to the infection. They will also inspect the tick-bite s...
Usually, outpatient treatment is effective for treating cats with Lyme disease. When the disease is caught early, many cats respond quickly to the medication. Antibiotics are prescribed and the cat will remain on them for 4 weeks. If necessary, pain medication may also be prescribed. Do not give your cat anything unless it’s been approved by your v...
While a vaccine exists to prevent Lyme disease in dogs, one does not exist for cats. That means you’ll have to be diligent about protecting your cat from this disease yourself. The easiest prevention is not allowing your cat to explore outdoors in tick-infested areas. However, ticks can find their way to cats that are indoors, so this method isn’t ...
While signs of Lyme disease are very uncommon in cats, it can still affect them if they are bitten by infected ticks. Also keep in mind that the same tick may bite you too and transfer the disease, so always be careful when handling ticks and examine yourself as well as your cat on a daily basis if you are in tick-infested areas. If left untreated,...
Apr 18, 2024 · Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead. Lyme Disease Overview. Signs. Causes. Diagnosis. Treatment & Care. Frequently Asked Questions. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria...
Mar 27, 2024 · Signs typically begin to appear within a few weeks after infection. Contact your veterinarian if your cat develops these symptoms during the warm weather season when ticks are active. Many other tick-borne diseases can affect cats, and most are prevalent in the northeastern portion of the United States.
