06/02/2026
🚨 Cat Owners in Southwest Missouri: Be Aware of Cytauxzoon felis ("Bobcat Fever") 🚨
Southwest Missouri is considered a hotspot for Cytauxzoon felis, a deadly tick-borne parasite that affects domestic cats. In fact, the disease was first identified in cats from southwest Missouri and continues to be a serious threat in our region.
Spread primarily by the Lone Star tick, Bobcat Fever can cause sudden lethargy, loss of appetite, high fever, difficulty breathing, jaundice, and severe weakness. Symptoms often progress rapidly, making early veterinary care critical.
🐾 Protect your cats by:
✔ Using veterinarian-recommended tick prevention year-round
✔ Checking pets for ticks after outdoor activities
✔ Keeping cats indoors whenever possible
✔ Seeking immediate veterinary care if your cat seems sick or unusually tired
Ticks are abundant throughout Missouri, especially during the warmer months, making prevention more important than ever.
Please share this post to help raise awareness and protect the cats in our community. One tick bite can change everything. ❤️🐱
