06/05/2026
Tick Season Is Here...and we're seeing more suspected Bobcat Fever cases 🐱
Over the past several weeks, our team at Eastview Veterinary Clinic has seen a concerning increase in suspected cases of Cytauxzoonosis ("Bobcat Fever") in cats.
While Bobcat Fever is not a new disease in Tennessee, veterinarians across our communities have recently reported an increase in cases, and we've been seeing that trend reflected locally as well. The disease is spread by the Lone Star tick and can progress very quickly once symptoms begin.
⚠️ Signs to Watch For:
• Sudden lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Pale or yellow gums
• Difficulty breathing
• Hiding or acting "not themselves"
One of the challenges with Bobcat Fever is that many cats appear only mildly ill at first, but can become critically sick within a short period of time. Early intervention gives us the best chance to help.
🐾 What Can You Do Now?
✔️ Keep your cat on veterinarian-recommended flea and tick prevention year-round.
✔️ Keep cats indoors whenever possible. Indoor cats have significantly less exposure to ticks and the diseases they can carry. If your cat spends time outdoors, even occasionally, prevention is especially important.
✔️ Check outdoor cats regularly for ticks.
✔️ Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat develops any of the symptoms above.
✔️ Make sure your cat's annual exam is up to date.
This last point is especially important.
Prescription flea and tick preventatives require a valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR), meaning your pet must have been examined by a veterinarian within the last 12 months before we can legally prescribe medication. Please be aware that many Flea/Tick preventative medications we recommend are by prescription only and require 48 hour notice to obtain the prescription.
If your cat's annual exam is coming due this summer, now is the perfect time to plan ahead rather than waiting until you need prevention or your pet becomes sick.
The good news? If your pet is current on their exam, we can help you choose the prevention that best fits your cat's lifestyle and even have it shipped directly to your door through our online pharmacy.
Our goal is not to create alarm, but awareness. Tick populations have been particularly active this year, and prevention remains the best tool we have to protect our feline family members.
📞 Questions about prevention or whether your pet is due for an exam? Send us a Text or Give us a call: we're happy to help. 931-648-8111
❤️ Your Eastview Veterinary Clinic Team
