Moore Animal Welfare and Adoption Center Raises Awareness on Bobcat Fever for Pet Owners

Bobcat Fever, or Cytauxzoonosis, is a serious tick-borne illness that affects domestic cats. The disease is caused by a parasite transferred through bites from infected ticks. According to the center, cats do not need to come into contact with bobcats to contract the disease.

This disease can escalate rapidly and may be fatal, even with treatment. Symptoms to watch for include:

- Sudden lethargy or weakness

- Loss of appetite

- High fever

- Difficulty breathing

- Pale or yellow-tinged gums

- Rapid decline in health

Symptoms can manifest within days to weeks after an infected tick bite, and once a cat is exhibiting signs of illness, its condition can deteriorate quickly.

To protect cats from Bobcat Fever, the center offers several recommendations:

- Keep cats indoors when possible to lower their risk of exposure to infected ticks.

- Use veterinarian-approved flea and tick prevention that is specifically labeled safe for cats, as some dog treatments can be toxic to felines.

- Regularly check pets for ticks, especially if they spend time outdoors.

- Maintain your yard by keeping grass trimmed and reducing tick-friendly areas.

- Seek immediate veterinary care if your cat shows sudden signs of illness, fever, or unusual lethargy, particularly after potential tick exposure.

It is important for pet owners to remember that Bobcat Fever is not transmitted through casual contact between cats, but primarily through bites from infected ticks.