Skip to main content

Pet Insurance policies are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company.

Figo Pet Insurance Logo
  • Pet Insurance
    • Dog Insurance
    • Cat Insurance
    • Coverage
    • Compare
    • FAQs
  • Pet Cloud
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
Get a Quote
Figo logo

  • Login
  • Dog Insurance
  • Careers
  • Found a lost Figo pet?
  • About Us
  • Cat Insurance
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Employers
  • Veterinarians
  • Compare
  • Maine Residents
  • California Privacy

Subscribe to our newsletter

  • Instagram logo
  • facebook
  • tiktok
  • Twitter

No one is permitted to sell, solicit or negotiate an insurance policy without a producer license in the state in which the plan is sold, and all prospects should be directed to Figo Pet Insurance. The information contained in this website is for illustrative purposes only and coverage under any pet insurance policy is expressly subject to the conditions, restrictions, limitations, exclusions (including pre-existing conditions), and terms of the policy documentation issued by the insurer. Availability of this program is subject to each state’s approval and coverage may vary by state. Coverage underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (IAIC), a Delaware Insurance Company, 11333 North Scottsdale Road Suite 160 Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Live Vet and the Figo Pet Cloud are separate non-insurance services unaffiliated with IAIC. Figo Pet Insurance's California license number is 0K02763.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use & Licensing
  • Insurance Fraud Warnings
  • Underwriting

Copyright © 2015-2023 Figo Pet Insurance LLC. All rights reserved

Do cats get Lyme disease?

March 3, 2020

While cats still need protection from ticks, they appear to be resistant to Lyme disease. Dr. Lee discusses cats and Lyme disease with a concerned cat parent.

Do cats get Lyme disease?

Q: My veterinarian doesn't offer Lyme vaccination for my cats, who spend more time outside than my dogs. Is a vaccine available for felines?

A: A vaccine to prevent Lyme disease in cats is not available because it's not clear that cats actually get the disease.

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria called Borrelia, which are carried by Ixodes ticks, including deer ticks, black-legged ticks, western black-legged ticks and bear ticks.

The larval stage of the tick acquires the bacteria when it bites an infected small mammal, bird or lizard. The larval tick transforms into a nymph, which takes a blood meal from a small animal, dog or human, infecting the host and then molting into an adult tick.

The adult takes a blood meal from a large mammal like a deer, human or dog, again infecting the host. Adult Ixodes ticks mate on deer and continue the life cycle.

In areas where Lyme disease is prevalent, half the Ixodes nymphs and adults carry Borrelia bacteria. After the tick feeds for 36 to 48 hours, some of the bacteria leave the tick and enter the host.

Dogs infected with Borrelia bacteria form antibodies to them. Some infected dogs also develop arthritis and kidney damage, though not all do.

In cats, Borrelia bacteria induce antibody formation but don't cause clinical signs typical of Lyme disease, even after cats are infected twice.

Although cats are remarkably resistant to Lyme disease, they still need protection from ticks, which carry other serious diseases. Fortunately, veterinarians offer a variety of products that kill ticks and fleas and are safe for cats.

Editor’s Note: Lyme disease prevention month in May is a great time for a refresher on prevention. Here are five facts about Lyme disease in dogs


Lee Pickett, V.M.D. practices companion animal medicine in North Carolina. Contact her at vet@askthevet.pet.