June 27, 2025, 3:28 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Whether it’s a dog or a cat, many pet owners are familiar with the issue: tick season starts with the warmer months. The common wood tick, in particular, can transmit dangerous diseases, including Lyme disease. But how susceptible are cats to this bacterial infection? And how can you tell if they’ve been infected? PETBOOK provides answers.
They are small, inconspicuous, and prefer warm, well-perfused areas of the body. Ticks are among the most unpleasant companions in nature during the summer months. Outdoor cats are particularly at risk, but indoor cats are not automatically spared. Ticks can also easily be brought in on clothing or other pets.
Overview
Can Cats Get Lyme Disease?
The answer is yes, cats can also contract Lyme disease. Although the disease is much less common in cats than in dogs, it is not impossible.
The infection is caused by Borrelia, bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract of ticks—primarily the common wood tick. During feeding, the pathogen enters the cat’s body through the tick’s saliva and can trigger Lyme disease.
The transmission of Lyme disease pathogens by a tick generally takes between 12 and 48 hours in cats as well. Since the pathogens initially reside in the tick’s gastrointestinal tract, it takes a while for the Borrelia to reach the tick’s saliva. The longer the tick goes unnoticed, the higher the risk of a Lyme disease infection.
Areas with High Lyme Disease Risk
Lyme disease can theoretically occur anywhere in Germany—and it is by far the most common tick-borne disease in Europe.1Regions with a high tick density are particularly at risk. There, the risk of Lyme disease increases, as does the risk of other infections such as TBE. While TBE has reliable annual statistics due to nationwide reporting requirements, which can be used to derive official TBE risk areas, this is not the case for Lyme disease.
There is no uniform reporting requirement, so there is no official map of Lyme disease risk areas. According to the RKI, known TBE risk areas include Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, southern Hesse, and southeastern Thuringia. Central Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, parts of Lower Saxony, and North Rhine-Westphalia are also considered regions with a high incidence of TBE.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Cats
Lyme disease in cats often presents with nonspecific or even no symptoms, making the disease difficult to detect. When symptoms do appear, they are usually gradual and resemble other illnesses. The first signs can also appear weeks or even months after a tick bite. Even the typical erythema migrans, a red ring around the bite site, often goes unnoticed in cats because it is barely visible under their fur. 2
- Lameness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Behavioral changes
- Joint pain
- Pale gums
Diagnosis and Treatment
The course of Lyme disease in cats is often nonspecific or even asymptomatic, making it difficult to recognize. When symptoms do appear, they are usually non-specific, such as lameness, fever, or loss of appetite. A physical examination is typically conducted, and in most cases, a blood test is performed to determine if the cat has developed antibodies against Borrelia. It is important to note that a positive result does not automatically mean the cat is currently ill; it may simply indicate past exposure to the bacteria.3
If Lyme disease is diagnosed, treatment usually involves antibiotics. It is important to follow the prescribed treatment plan to ensure the infection is fully cleared. In some cases, additional medications may be needed to manage symptoms such as fever, lameness, or joint pain.
Preferred Locations for Ticks
Ticks prefer warm, well-vascularized areas of the body, such as the ears, neck, armpits, belly, or groin. Keeping hedges, bushes, and grass in the garden as short as possible can also help prevent ticks from settling in.
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How to Prevent Ticks
In general, the earlier a Lyme disease infection is detected, the better it can be treated. Although it is difficult to completely prevent outdoor cats from picking up ticks, there are some measures that can help. Special collars, sprays, or spot-on treatments specifically designed for cats can be effective. Some pet owners also use natural remedies such as amber necklaces or coconut oil, which may provide additional protection.
To prevent further transmission of pathogens to your cat, avoid crushing the tick when removing it.