CATS · Condition guide
Leishmaniasis in cats: what real veterinary cases show
Leishmaniasis in cats is a disease caused by the Leishmania parasite, which is transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies. While more common in dogs, cats can also contract this disease, particularly in regions where sandflies are prevalent. It affects the immune system and can lead to a range of symptoms, primarily skin-related.
Owners often first notice skin lesions or sores that do not heal, which can be a sign of leishmaniasis. Early detection is crucial as it can prevent the disease from progressing to more severe stages, affecting the cat's overall health and quality of life.
What vets typically check for
- Perform a thorough physical examination focusing on skin lesions.
- Conduct blood tests to check for antibodies against Leishmania.
- Take a biopsy of skin lesions for microscopic examination.
- Use PCR testing to detect Leishmania DNA in blood or tissue samples.
- Initiate treatment with antiprotozoal medications and supportive care.
Not a replacement for veterinary care. Use this to walk into the conversation prepared, not to self-diagnose.
Real cases from the veterinary literature
Peer-reviewed reports our semantic search surfaces for Feline leishmaniasis. Click into any case for the full abstract — or run a personalised search with your pet's exact details.
- Ocular manifestations of leishmaniasis in a cat: first case report from Brazil
Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia · BR
An 8-year-old female domestic short hair cat was brought to the vet with eye problems, specifically bilateral uveitis that looked like a tumor. After testing negative for common viruses and parasites, the vet found signs of Leishmania infection in a tissue sample from her eye. The cat was treated with allopurinol, a medication that helps manage the infection, along with a natur
- Feline platynosomiasis: analysis of the association of infection levels with pathological and biochemical findings
Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária · BR
A group of stray cats was found to have a liver infection caused by a parasite called Platynosomum fastosum, also known as 'lizard poisoning.' About 38% of the cats were infected, and those with the parasite showed higher levels of a liver enzyme called alanine transaminase (ALT), indicating liver damage. The severity of liver injuries varied, but interestingly, the number of p
- Serological study of feline leishmaniasis and molecular detection of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis in cats (Felis catus)
Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária · BR
A study found that nearly 30% of cats tested had antibodies for Leishmania, a parasite that can cause serious health issues. However, only about 12% of the cats had the actual parasite detected in their mouth or eyes. This suggests that just because a cat has antibodies doesn't mean it is currently infected. The researchers also noted that the Leishmania found in these cats is
- The first clinical case of Hepatozoon felis infection in a cat from Panama.
Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports · 2026
A 3-year-old male cat in Panama was brought to the vet with painful swelling in his bones, poor body condition, and an increased white blood cell count. Tests showed he had an infection caused by a parasite called Hepatozoon felis. The vet treated him with a combination of medications, including imidocarb, doxycycline, and toltrazuril. After treatment, the cat made a full recov
- Neurological manifestations in a cat with tick-borne relapsing fever caused by Borrelia persica.
Research in veterinary science · 2026
A 14-year-old female domestic cat suddenly developed sensitivity to touch and head tremors, which quickly progressed to seizures within eight hours. After being diagnosed with tick-borne relapsing fever caused by Borrelia persica, the cat was treated with antibiotics, including marbofloxacin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Thankfully, her neurological symptoms improved within
- Diagnostic potential of a multi-antigen ELISA for feline leishmaniosis.
Parasites & vectors · 2026
A study found that cats can be infected with Leishmania, a parasite spread by sand flies, but diagnosing it can be tricky since they often show no clear symptoms. Researchers tested several blood tests to see which could best detect antibodies against the parasite in 274 cats. They discovered that cats with multiple positive test results were more likely to show health issues l
Frequently asked questions
- How did my cat get leishmaniasis?
- Leishmaniasis is transmitted through the bite of an infected sandfly. Cats living in or traveling to areas where sandflies are common are at risk.
- Can leishmaniasis be cured in cats?
- While there is no definitive cure, treatment can manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to better outcomes.
- Is leishmaniasis contagious to other pets or humans?
- Leishmaniasis is not directly contagious between pets or to humans. It requires a sandfly vector for transmission.