Lyme Disease Symptoms in Cats
Recently I learned that cats can show symptoms of Lyme disease. We had taken Fluffy to the vet for an upper respiratory infection, but she was deteriorating and a fever developed. After several days, I decided to run a test for Lyme. The results were positive. Though most cats are immune to infections, they can still be susceptible to Lyme, especially if their immune systems are challenged.
Does Lyme disease go away in cats?
Although it is rare for cats to contract Lyme disease, it does happen. Though it has never been diagnosed in a cat outside of a laboratory, cats have been infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Cats’ immune systems are stronger than those of humans, and they are better able to tolerate bacteria. In some severe cases, cats can develop cardiac problems, joint damage, and even kidney failure. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment for your cat if you suspect it has the disease.
Antibiotics are an effective way to treat Lyme disease in cats. Antibiotics can help combat the bacteria that cause the disease and reduce joint inflammation. This type of treatment can be used to treat your cat for up to 4 weeks, although the long-term effects can lead to permanent joint pain.
Why do cats not get Lyme disease?
Though cats do not generally show symptoms of Lyme disease, they can contract the bacteria that causes the disease. Because of their unique immune system, cats can tolerate bacteria much better than humans do. Still, you should consider bringing your cat to the vet if you notice any unusual behavior.
A blood test can confirm if your cat has been exposed to the disease. A test called a Western blot will show whether your cat has antibodies to the Lyme bacterium. However, this test is not widely available and is somewhat expensive. This means that it will be necessary to rule out other diseases first before determining if your cat has contracted Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is a serious disease caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is found in black-legged deer ticks. The bacterium is transmitted by tick bites, and the disease affects both cats and humans.
Can indoor cats get Lyme disease?
Lyme disease in cats is not as common as in humans, but it is still a possibility. Ticks that live in grass and other vegetation can attach to a cat’s skin or fur and cause infection. Once attached, the bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi can spread throughout the body within 24 hours. While cats rarely show symptoms of Lyme disease, you should take your cat to the vet for a full examination. A veterinarian can perform a variety of tests to determine whether your pet has been infected with the disease. Blood tests, x-rays, and fluid from affected joints can be obtained for analysis.
Symptoms of Lyme disease in cats can include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and joint pain. The early signs of Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. Fortunately, if caught early, cats usually recover completely and will not require any lengthy veterinary care. However, if the disease is left untreated, it can result in permanent joint damage and pain.
What if my cat has Bartonella?
Bartonella infections in cats are not common, although many cases aren’t diagnosed. The disease causes unexplained fevers, inflammation of the lymph nodes, and generalized muscle pain in cats. Symptoms tend to be mild and last two to three days. If your cat has these symptoms, you should seek veterinary care to get your cat back to normal.
Bartonella is a bacteria that can be transmitted through ticks. Since ticks are easy to bring into the house, indoor cats can get them. Your cat should be checked regularly for fleas and ticks. Check your cat for red marks on its skin and look for any red spots.
Should I take my cat to the vet after a tick bite?
In case of a tick bite, the next step would be to monitor your cat carefully for any symptoms of infection or irritation. Ticks can infect your cat with several diseases, including Lyme disease. You should also consult your veterinarian if you notice any unusual symptoms.
A veterinarian will examine your cat and identify where the tick bit him. A blood or urine test will reveal if the tick posed any threat to your cat. In addition, it will help rule out other illnesses. The veterinarian may also remove the tick during the examination and send it to a lab for analysis.
Cats can also pick up ticks from other animals. Cats frequently interact with other animals outside the house, and ticks can easily be transferred from one animal to another. Therefore, it is important to keep your cat’s food and water inside the house or place it in a covered container.
