Lyme Disease Symptoms in Cats

Both indoor and outdoor cats are susceptible to Lyme disease, especially in the Northeastern and Middle-Atlantic States. All it takes is one tick to burrow inside a cat's skin and cause the infection that leads to Lyme disease. Recognizing symptoms early, however, can help an infected cat get the treatment it needs.

  1. Physical Changes

    • Some physical symptoms you may see in a cat with Lyme disease are joint inflammation and pain or arthritis, fever, dehydration and swelling of the lymph nodes. Cats with joint pain and problems have difficulty moving or move slowly. Your cat may be dehydrated if when you pick up a fold of skin on his back it doesn't snap back quickly. Your cat has a fever when its rectal temperature is above 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check for swollen lymph nodes by feeling for lumps on your cat's body.

    Behavior Changes

    • Your cat may also exhibit behavioral changes, such as tiredness and decrease in appetite.

    Treatment

    • These symptoms can be subtle, so if you believe a cat may have Lyme disease, take it to a veterinarian for a diagnosis. The vet will diagnose the disease through a blood test and treat it with tick removal and antibiotics.