Bobcat Fever In Cats Can Turn Deadly Within Days Veterinarians Warn

Bobcat Fever In Cats Can Turn Deadly Within Days Veterinarians Warn

Veterinarians are urging pet owners to watch for signs of bobcat fever in cats as tick season reaches its peak across Oklahoma. The disease, formally known as cytauxzoonosis, is caused by the parasite Cytauxzoon felis and is spread through the bite of an infected Lone Star tick. Without immediate veterinary treatment, the disease is almost always fatal.

Wild bobcats serve as the natural host for the parasite, while domestic cats become infected after being bitten by an infected tick. Cases are most common from April through September, when tick activity is at its highest.

Because symptoms can progress rapidly, veterinarians say early recognition and emergency treatment offer the best chance of survival.

Bobcat Fever In Cats Progresses Rapidly After Tick Bite

The first signs of bobcat fever in cats typically develop 10 to 14 days after an infected tick bite.

Many owners first notice subtle behavioral changes, including unusual fatigue, weakness, hiding, or a sudden lack of interest in food and water. As the disease progresses, cats may develop a high fever, rapid or labored breathing, and pale or yellow-colored gums and eyes caused by jaundice.

Veterinarians warn that once symptoms appear, a cat's condition can deteriorate dramatically within 24 to 72 hours if treatment is delayed.

Because the illness closely resembles other diseases during its early stages, pet owners are encouraged not to wait to see if symptoms improve on their own.

More information about cytauxzoonosis is available through the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Immediate Veterinary Care Offers The Best Chance Of Survival

Diagnosing bobcat fever in cats requires prompt veterinary evaluation.

Veterinarians typically perform blood tests and examine blood cells under a microscope to identify the parasite responsible for the disease.

Treatment is aggressive and usually combines the antimalarial medication atovaquone with the antibiotic azithromycin. Most affected cats require hospitalization for several days or longer while receiving intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, nutritional support, and, in some cases, blood transfusions.

Even with immediate medical treatment, survival rates are estimated at 50% to 60%. Without treatment, veterinarians say the disease is considered nearly 100% fatal.

Cats that survive remain lifelong carriers of the parasite, making it important to keep them indoors to reduce the risk of exposing additional ticks to the infection.

Pet health resources are available through the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

Tick Prevention Is The Best Defense For Oklahoma Cats

Since there is currently no vaccine for bobcat fever in cats, veterinarians stress that prevention remains the most effective protection.

Keeping cats indoors significantly reduces exposure to ticks and infected wildlife. Veterinarians also recommend using year-round, veterinarian-approved flea and tick preventatives—even for indoor cats that may come into contact with dogs or other pets that spend time outside.

Pet owners should routinely check their cats for ticks, especially during spring and summer when Lone Star ticks are most active. Prompt removal of ticks and regular preventative care can greatly reduce the risk of infection.

Oklahoma's warm climate creates favorable conditions for ticks throughout much of the year, making prevention an important part of every cat owner's routine. Veterinarians encourage owners to contact an emergency animal clinic immediately if their cat develops fever, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or suddenly stops eating after potential tick exposure.

Additional tick prevention guidance is available through the Companion Animal Parasite Council.

🔴 MORE RADIO NEWS