Purchase 12 months of flea, tick, and heartworm prevention and save $100 or more. Includes a heartworm test.

Call Us With Any Questions

New clients welcome! Limited time free first exam (terms apply) - Book Today!

As pet owners, one of our greatest concerns is ensuring our furry friends are happy and healthy. Recognizing signs of pain in pets can sometimes be challenging, as they can't communicate in words like we do. However, animals do have ways of letting us know when something isn't right. Here's a guide from our team, to help you understand if your pet might be in pain and what steps you can take to help them feel better.

Is My Pet in Pain? Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action

As our beloved pets age, their health needs evolve, making preventive health screenings more crucial than ever. Senior pets, generally those over seven, are more susceptible to various health issues, and catching these problems early can significantly improve their quality of life. Explore why preventive health screenings are essential and how they can benefit your aging furry friend.

Top 5 Preventive Screenings Every Senior Pet Needs

May is Lyme Disease Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to educate pet owners about this prevalent tick-borne illness. As the weather warms up, ticks become more active, increasing the risk of Lyme disease for pets and humans.

Lyme Disease in Pets: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

As the weather warms up and summer kicks in, it's the perfect time to check in on your cat's health and routine. Cats are sensitive to temperature changes and seasonal shifts, so June is ideal for refreshing your feline care practices from hydration and nutrition to grooming and parasite prevention.

Whether you're a new cat parent or a seasoned pro, this guide has everything you need to help your cat thrive all month.

June Cat Care Checklist: Summer Wellness for Your Furry Friend

South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital is offering a free 30-day pet insurance trial through Trupanion - no credit card, no strings attached! Just schedule a quick exam and activate your trial within 24 hours to get 90 percent coverage for unexpected illnesses and injuries.

Free Trial Of Trupanion Pet Insurance

South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital

about-us-page

embedded-reviews-section

our-history-section

our-teams-section

South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital is here for you when your puppy or kitten needs its first checkup.

why-us-section

app-download-page

download-app-section

blogs-page

blogs-section

book-appointment-page

book-appointment-section

career-page

South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital is a longstanding fixture in the Woodstock community, known for personalized medicine, strong client relationships, and a supportive team culture. Situated in Woodstock, GA, we invite you to advance your career and enjoy Southern charm and hospitality. Our team values communication, respect, and doing what's right for patients, clients, and each other. Explore our open roles or reach out to learn more.

amrv-career-about-section

amrv-career-section

amrv-contact-section

amrv-job-section

forms-page

form-section

landing-page

additional-detailed-section

amrv-about-us-section

contact-us-section

cta-bar

footer-section

hero-section

nav-cta-section

otto-widget-section

our-services-section

testimonials-section

vetstoria-widget-section

news-page

our-history-page

payment-info-page

payment-information-section

payment-section-2

payment-section-3

services-page

service-page-section

team-page

teams-page-section

video-page

pixel_hubspot

<p dir="auto">As a pet owner, you might wonder why cats, unlike dogs and humans, rarely seem to contract Lyme disease. This tick-borne illness, caused by the bacterium <em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em>, can be a serious concern for many animals, but cats are notably less affected. Understanding the reasons behind this can help you better care for your feline friend and appreciate their unique biology and behaviors.</p><p dir="auto">Natural Groomers – One of the primary reasons cats are less likely to get Lyme disease is their fastidious grooming habits. Cats spend a significant portion of their day grooming themselves, which includes removing debris and parasites like ticks. This constant grooming often leads to the removal of ticks before they have a chance to transmit the Lyme disease bacterium.</p><p dir="auto">Lower Exposure – Cats, particularly indoor cats, are generally less exposed to tick-infested environments compared to dogs. Dogs are more likely to roam in areas where ticks are prevalent, such as tall grasses, wooded areas, and parks. In contrast, cats are more likely to stay closer to home and may have limited access to such environments, reducing their risk of tick bites.</p><p dir="auto">Immune System Differences – The feline immune system may also play a role in the lower incidence of Lyme disease. Studies suggest that cats have a different immune response to <em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em> compared to dogs and humans. This difference may help cats fend off the bacterium more effectively, preventing the establishment of the disease.</p><p dir="auto">Tick Preferences – Ticks have host preferences, and certain types of ticks are more likely to bite dogs and humans than cats. While cats can still be bitten by ticks, the species that are most efficient at transmitting Lyme disease may not prefer cats as hosts. This preference reduces the likelihood of cats being bitten by ticks that carry <em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em>.</p><p dir="auto">Symptoms Often Go Unnoticed – Even when cats are infected with the Lyme disease bacterium, they often do not show symptoms. This asymptomatic nature means that the disease goes unnoticed and unreported more frequently in cats than in dogs or humans. The absence of noticeable symptoms does not mean that cats are immune, but rather that they handle the infection differently.</p><p dir="auto">Prevention is Still Key – While the risk of Lyme disease in cats is low, prevention is still important, especially for outdoor cats. Here are some tips to keep your cat safe:</p><p dir="auto">1. Tick Prevention Products: Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention treatments designed for cats. These can include topical treatments, collars, or oral medications.</p><p dir="auto">2. Regular Grooming Checks: Regularly check your cat for ticks, particularly after they’ve been outside. Focus on areas like the neck, ears, and between the toes where ticks may hide.</p><p dir="auto">3. Environmental Management: Maintain a tick-free yard by keeping grass short and removing leaf litter where ticks thrive. Creating a tick-safe zone can significantly reduce the risk of tick bites.</p><p dir="auto">4. Stay Informed: Keep up with regular veterinary check-ups and stay informed about tick prevalence in your area. Your veterinarian can provide the best advice tailored to your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors.</p><p dir="auto">Cats’ unique behaviors, biology, and lower exposure to tick habitats contribute to the uncommon occurrence of Lyme disease in felines. Their grooming habits, immune response, and the preferences of ticks themselves all play a role in protecting cats from this tick-borne illness. However, vigilance and preventive measures are still essential to ensure your cat’s health and safety. If you have any concerns or need guidance on tick prevention, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/">don’t hesitate to contact us.</a></p>

Ever wonder why cats rarely get Lyme disease? Learn how feline grooming habits, immunity, and lower exposure reduce risk, plus tips to keep your cat protected from ticks year-round.



Lyme Disease in Cats: Understanding Its Rare Occurrence

patient_prism_6868d04db8a3cce402148593

<noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-W3ZW3VT"
height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>

gtm_6868d04db8a3cce402148593

<script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':
new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],
j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src=
'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);
})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-W3ZW3VT');</script>

Sign up for our newsletter to learn about new opportunities, team stories, and learning moments from South Cherokee.

Connect With Us

Reach out directly to our Talent Team! We are happy to guide you through roles, culture, and everything in between.

Have Questions

Preferred options for most of our clients.

We are pleased to offer access to several financing options.

We love educating our clients, thats why we have curated and shared posts filled with helpful information regarding pet care.

Keeping up with your pet's health from your mobile device has never been easier!

Michelle Isabel

Kelly Webster

Ryan Hickman

Thomyia Carpenter

Since 1992, serving Woodstock with 30+ years of compassionate, high-quality veterinary care.

Get fast, accurate results with our in-house lab and diagnostic tools.

Diagnostics

Voted Neighborhood Favorite on Nextdoor in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 & 2023 for trusted local care.

Consult Online

Online Store

Pet Portal

Billing

Client Forms

Download App

Additional Services

General Services

Specialty Services

When you're away, rest easy knowing your pet is in caring, veterinary-supervised hands. Our small, personalized boarding facility offers a calm, friendly environment where every guest receives individual attention.

Boarding

Get your pet's medications, food, and preventives delivered straight to your door—fast and easy.

Pharmacy

Pharmacy Home Delivery

Your Pet's Well-Being with Expert Medical Grooming


Medical Grooming

Flanders

Struggling with behavior issues? We help you understand and improve your pet's habits and routines.


Behavioral Counseling

We help manage your pet's pain with expert care, medication, and therapies tailored to their needs.

Pain Management

Not feeling like themselves? We're here to diagnose, treat, and help your pet feel better fast.

Illness / Injury & Sick

Illness/ Injury & Sick

A quick microchip gives your pet a permanent ID and increases their chance of being reunited if lost.


Microchipping

Travel certificates

When it's time to say goodbye, we offer gentle, compassionate end-of-life care and support. 

End-of-Life & Euthanasia

Treating and preventing internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms with trusted care.


Deworming

Deworming & Parasite Control

Safe, carefully monitored anesthesia keeps your pet comfortable during surgeries and procedures.

Anesthesia

From routine to advanced procedures, your pet is in skilled, compassionate hands every step of the way.


Pet Surgery

Spaying or neutering helps prevent health issues, unwanted litters, and certain behavioral challenges.


Spay & Neuter

Protect your pet from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and more with year-round parasite prevention plans.


Parasite Prevention

When every second counts, our team is ready to treat injuries, illness, or sudden changes in behavior.

Urgent Care

We offer safe, responsible breeding guidance and reproductive care for both male and female pets.


Reproductive Services

We offer advanced surgical care using skilled techniques, modern equipment, and compassionate support.


Lyme Disease in Cats: Understanding Its Rare Occurrence

Recent Blog

Related Blogs

Safeguarding Your Home: Identifying and Preventing Household Hazards for Pets

Illuminate Joy, Wag Bliss: Nurturing Canine Oral Well-Being

Adopt with Confidence: Top Tips for New Pet Owners This December