Are you familiar with Lyme Disease? This is a health problem that has been in the new for years, with many people becoming infected from tick bites. But did you know cats can also develop Lyme infections?
While Lyme is a common health issue from tick bites, some pet parents are not aware that their fur babies can also suffer from this infection. So, we’ve put together a list of 10 things you should know about Lyme Disease in cats.
Lyme Disease in Cats
1). Lyme Disease is Caused by Bacteria
Lyme Disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which can infect humans and their cats. Borrelia burgdorferi is called a spirochete, because they have a shape that resembles a spiral. The bacterium is long, slender, and very small. They look like tightly coiled springs, or old-fashioned telephone cords.
We understand that this description and the thought of ticks is making you feel crawly. It’s not an easy topic to read about; however, it is important to know about this disease, symptoms to watch for and more. Knowledge will keep you and your fur baby safe.
2). Lyme is Caused by Infected Ticks
Ticks are not born with the Lyme infection. And not many people realize that Lyme is not caused by all ticks, but only those that have become infected with the disease. Ticks may become infected if they bit an animal that’s infected Lyme. These include mice, deer, and other mammals.
Once the tick becomes infected, they can then infect another animal, such as a cat, or a human with the Lyme infection. After they bite, the infection is passed from the tick’s salivary glands into the person/animal they’re feeding on. The most common carrier of Lyme Disease is the deer tick (also called the black-legged tick).
3). Lyme Disease is Passed Only After 24 Hours
When a tick is attached to your cat, it must stay attached for 24 hours before it can pass Lyme on to your fur baby. This is why it’s important to check your cat each day for ticks.
If they’re removed before 24 hours, your cat won’t become infected with Lyme Disease. This is important information—if you find and remove the tick before 24 hours, you can keep your cat from being infected with Lyme Disease.
4). Lyme is a Threat All Year Long
Most of us believe that ticks are only active in the summer and spring months; however, this isn’t the case. In fact, ticks and Lyme are a problem all year long.
The fact is that if the temperature, even in winter, rises to about 40 F (or more), then ticks become active and start to look for their next meal. That’s not a great thought, but it’s a fact that as a pet parent we need to accept.
Lyme and other tick borne illnesses are not just a seasonal issue. Your fur baby needs to be checked for ticks and treated for ticks all year round.
5). Where Ticks Live
Ticks love areas that are lush, shady, and filled with tall grass, shrubs and brush. If your lawn is kept short, it could be harboring ticks. Some people have the mistaken belief that ticks are only found in wild areas; however, this is not the case.
Ticks are now common across all types of areas, including urban and suburban areas. Not only can these pests exist in your yard, but they can be found at the park, etc. They can even be found close to the sidewalk if grass hasn’t been kept short.
The reason for this incursion into populated areas is because deer, mice and other mammals are also becoming more common in urban settings. These are the favorite foods of ticks.
You can also find them when out hiking anywhere—in the woods, in the mountains, around lakes and rivers, etc. And don’t forget that ticks can also live at high altitudes, though not as many as live at regular altitudes.
6). Most Regions Have Ticks Infected with Lyme
Lyme Disease was once mainly a problem for eastern parts of the US; however, it has since spread to most areas of the country. Every state in the country, except Hawaii, has found ticks infected with Lyme.
Scientists believe infected ticks have spread so far due to warming of the climate.
7). Tick Control Products May Not Repel Ticks
Have you used tick repelling products on your cat, only to later find he still had ticks on him? You’re not alone. The fact is that tick products are not really made to repel ticks. If you’re using a combination product, it may be repelling fleas and other pests, but not ticks. Even if you’re using collars, chewable medications or products applied to the skin, you may still see ticks on your cat
The reason is that most of these products are not made to repel ticks. Instead, they work to kill ticks when they bite your cat. The goal is that when a tick bites, it will die and drop off before transmitting the infection to your cat. If the tick is killed and drops off before 24 hours have passed, then your fur baby won’t become infected.
8). Cats Don’t Develop the Bullseye Rash
When a person is bitten by a tick, they may develop the telltale Bullseye Rash that is often a sign they have been infected with Lyme. However, that’s not how it works with cats.
9). Lyme Disease Symptoms in Cats
A cat’s lyme disease symptoms can be quite different to those that develop in humans who are infected with Lyme. In cats, symptoms may be quite subtle, or may not even show up at all. In addition, symptoms can show up for the first time as long as a year after the initial tick bite. Some common cat lyme disease symptoms include respiratory issues, vomiting, and a fever.
10). Where Ticks Hide on a Cat
The most common areas that ticks like to hide on a cat are:
- Between the toes
- On the head (ears, neck)
- Other places a cat can see/reach
When cats find a tick crawling on them, they may try to bite it off. However, if the ticks are in areas where the cat can’t find them, then the ticks will remain long enough to cause a problem. That is, unless they’re removed before 24 hours have passed.
We hope this article has helped you learn about some uncommon aspects about Lyme Disease. It is a terrible infection. The only way to prevent it is to check your fur baby every day. If you find a tick, then remove it safely (as directed by your vet) as soon as possible. This way, you can prevent your canine companion from developing Lyme or other tick diseases.
Author Bio: Joshua Scott
Joshua Scott is a Freelance Blogger, writer, and model who lives in Los Angeles. Joshua has been writing online for the past 4 years. He loves to write articles and blogs on a niche like Pets, Animal, Modeling, Technology & Traveling. He is passionate about spreading knowledge & tips across the world.
