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If you let your cat roam around outside, chances are they might attract a tick, or two. Knowing the tick-related illnesses, like bobcat fever, and when to bring your cat into the veterinary clinic can potentially save your cat’s life. Here’s what you need to know about bobcat fever.

What Is Bobcat Fever?

Commonly known as bobcat fever, Cytauxzoonsis felis is a parasitic disease that affects cats bitten by a lone star tick, usually found in the southern and eastern regions of the United States. Usually within 5 to 14 days after your cat is bitten, a fever will develop. While the parasite may be harmless to its natural host, the bobcat, it can be fatal for most cats. 

How Do Your Cats Get It?

Your cat can contract bobcat fever if it’s allowed outside to roam and is bitten by a lone star tick carrying the parasite. The parasite enters through the wound made by the tick to feed. Fortunately, this disease is not contagious to other cats and cannot be passed on. veterinary clinic

Why Is It Dangerous?

Bobcat fever is almost always fatal for cats, if left untreated. The parasite will travel to their lungs, spleen, kidneys, liver, and brain, and attack these organs by lining their blood cells and destroying the organ tissue cells. That is why it is crucial to bring your cat to a veterinary clinic as soon as you notice they have developed a fever.

Signs Your Cat Has Bobcat Fever

It can take up to two weeks for symptoms to develop after your cat is infected. Common symptoms to appear are a fever, loss of appetite, and whining or other vocalizing to indicate they are in pain, followed by difficulty breathing, jaundice, and lethargy.

What You Should Do If Your Cat Has It

If you notice any of the above symptoms, immediately bring your cat to a veterinary clinic for treatment. Your vet will conduct a full cat examination, as well as run blood and urine tests, to confirm whether or not they are infected. If they are, your vet may prescribe a combination of medications or hospitalize your cat for intensive treatment and observation. 

 

Concerned your cat may have contracted bobcat fever? Tanner Veterinary Clinic in Russellville, AR, offers emergency vet services, as well as a veterinary hospital for successful treatment of cats. This veterinary clinic cares about animals and will go above and beyond to save your pet. For more information, visit their website, or give them a call at (479) 968-3535 to schedule an appointment. 
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