06/19/2026
We have a very important post today about an illness called cytauxzoonosis better known as bobcat fever. We have had quite a few cases come in within the past month and they have all had to be hospitalized and most cases even caused death. This is a very serious illness with a typically poor prognosis. It is very important to protect your cats from this rapidly spreading illness.
What is bobcat fever?
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Bobcat fever is a disease spread to cats by ticks, but most often by the lone star tick. A protozoan organism called Cytauxzoon felis infects the red blood cells of cats after the bite from and infected tick. Infected domestic cats can develop very serious illness. Without treatment, bobcat fever rapidly progresses, potentially causing hypothermia, seizures and coma. Bobcat fever is most often fatal.
Symptoms of bobcat fever Include:
- Lethargy or lack of energy
- Decreased appetite
- Pale gums (due to anemia)
- Yellow gums and whites of eyes (jaundice)
- Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and open mouth panting
- Fever
Bobcat fever treatment and prognosis:
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To diagnose the condition, the veterinarian will need to perform bloodwork and look at the blood cells under the microscope. In most cases bobcat fever requires hospitalization. If the condition is diagnosed and treated early, around 60% of cats survive. Although cats who survive can become carriers. These cats who are carriers should remain inside so that ticks cannot bite them and spread the disease to any other cats.
How to prevent bobcat fever:
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Cats at the highest risk are the cats that go outside or are indoor cats that who live with other animals who go outside. Keeping your cat on year-round flea and tick prevention is the best way to prevent bobcat fever in cats. Please protect your kitties by keeping them on prevention all year round.