Feline Leishmaniasis
Feline leishmaniasis is caused by the same microscopic parasite responsible for canine leishmaniasis, Leishmania infantum. It is transmitted through the bite of phlebotamine sandflies, tiny flying insects that resemble gnats and feed mainly...
What is it?
Feline leishmaniasis is caused by the same microscopic parasite responsible for canine leishmaniasis, Leishmania infantum. It is transmitted through the bite of phlebotamine sandflies, tiny flying insects that resemble gnats and feed mainly at dusk and throughout the night during warm weather.
Canine leishmaniasis is well known in the Mediterranean basin, where sandflies are widespread. Cats can also become infected, but the disease remains rare in them: most often, infection goes unnoticed and the cat never develops illness.
When the disease does develop, it progresses slowly over weeks or months, affecting the skin, lymph nodes, eyes, mouth, and general health.
Key point
Leishmaniasis is rare in cats: the vast majority of cats exposed to the parasite never develop the disease. The signs described here have many other more common causes, which the veterinarian also investigates.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Skin lesions, mainly on the head (eyelids, nose, lips, ears) and lower legs: small bumps under the skin, wounds that do not heal, crusts, areas without hair.
Swollen lymph nodes, which can be felt under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knees.
Eye involvement: red eyes, cloudy or painful eye, related to inflammation inside the eye called uveitis.
Inflammation of the mouth: red bleeding gums, bad breath, difficulty eating.
Weight loss, loss of appetite, lethargy, dehydration.
Signs develop gradually and often have been present for several weeks when the cat is examined.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The disease is caused by a microscopic parasite, Leishmania infantum.
The sandfly becomes infected by biting an infected animal, with dogs being the main reservoir, and then transmits the parasite by biting another animal.
In cats, infection becomes disease in only a minority of individuals, often when immune defences are weakened.
Living in a region where canine leishmaniasis is present, such as the Mediterranean basin.
Being outdoors in the evening and at night, during the hours when sand flies bite.
Weakened immunity: infection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV), immunosuppressive treatment, or another chronic disease.
Living near dogs affected by leishmaniasis.
Transmission
Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected sandfly. There is no transmission through direct contact, petting, or biting between cats.
Sandflies feed mainly from dusk to dawn during warm weather.
The infected dog is the primary source of parasites for sandflies; the cat's role in parasite circulation is considered secondary.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The veterinarian looks for all signs: lesions on the head and paws, enlarged lymph nodes, eye involvement, mouth lesions, and weight loss.
Diagnosis is based on a blood test to detect antibodies against the parasite, and on detection of the parasite itself in a sample from a lymph node, nodule, or blood, either under the microscope or by genetic analysis (PCR).
Blood and urine tests assess kidney function and overall health.
Testing for FIV and feline leukemia is part of the workup, as these infections are often associated with leishmaniasis.
The veterinarian also rules out other causes of nodules, wounds, and enlarged lymph nodes, such as certain tumors or fungal infections.
Treatment
Treatment relies on specific antiparasitic drugs prescribed and monitored by the veterinarian. These were developed for dogs and are used in cats with caution under supervision.
Treatment is lengthy, often lasting several months, and includes regular check-ups.
Additional care addresses complications: fluid therapy, eye care, mouth care, or kidney support as needed.
If FIV or feline leukemia is present, it is taken into account in the follow-up plan.
Treatment most often improves the cat's condition, but it rarely eliminates the parasite completely: relapses are possible, requiring long-term monitoring.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
There is no vaccine against leishmaniasis in cats.
Prevention focuses on reducing sand fly bites: keep the cat indoors from dusk to dawn during the warm season, and fit windows with fine mesh screens.
Ask your veterinarian which insect protection is suitable for a cat.
Never use on a cat a flea collar, pipette, or insecticide spray designed for dogs: some contain permethrin or similar products, which are highly toxic to cats.
Protecting and treating household dogs also reduces the presence of the parasite around the cat.
Possible complications
Kidney damage, which may progress to kidney failure.
Eye involvement that can lead to vision loss if uveitis is not treated.
Painful inflammation of the mouth that prevents eating.
Progressive weight loss and weakness.
Relapses after treatment.
When to see a veterinarian
Lumps under the skin, wounds, or crusts appear on the head or lower legs and do not heal.
You notice swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in front of the shoulders.
An eye becomes red, cloudy, or painful.
The gums are red, bleeding, or your cat has difficulty eating.
Your cat is losing weight, eating less, and seems lethargic for several weeks.
Weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, and wounds that do not heal occurring together: contact your veterinarian within the week.
Transmission to humans
Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease: the same parasite can affect humans. However, transmission always occurs through the bite of a sand fly; you cannot catch it by petting, caring for, or living with an infected cat.
Dogs remain the main source of parasites for sand flies; the cat's role is considered secondary.
The measures that protect your animal also protect your family: fine-mesh screens, limiting exposure to sand fly bites from dusk to dawn during the warm season.
If a household member—particularly a child or immunocompromised person—develops prolonged fever, unusual fatigue, or a skin wound that does not heal, consult a doctor and mention that a pet in the household is infected.
Prognosis
The outlook depends mainly on kidney function and overall health at the time of diagnosis, as well as whether the cat has FIV or feline leukemia.
With consistent treatment, many cats improve significantly, but long-term monitoring is necessary because relapses can occur.
Frequently asked questions
Can my cat transmit leishmaniasis to me?
Not directly. The parasite is transmitted from an animal to humans only through the bite of a phlebotomine sandfly. You cannot catch it by petting or caring for a sick cat. Protecting yourself from insect bites in the evening protects both your family and animals.
Can the vaccine or collar from my dog be used for my cat?
No. There is no vaccine against leishmaniasis for cats. And several collars, pipettes or sprays for dogs contain products that are highly toxic to cats: always ask your veterinarian for a suitable product.
How to distinguish leishmaniasis from ringworm or scabies?
Ringworm and mange remain limited to the skin and are often contagious to other animals. Leishmaniasis affects several parts of the body at once: swollen lymph nodes, eyes, mouth, weight loss, in addition to skin lesions. Only a blood test and samples can confirm the diagnosis.
My cat goes out at night and lives near sick dogs: should I have him tested?
Discuss this with your veterinarian, especially if your cat shows signs such as swollen lymph nodes, wounds that won't heal, or weight loss. They will determine whether testing is warranted and what appropriate protective measures to take.
References
ESCCAP — European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 11 October 2026
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