Bobcat fever: it’s not just for the wild cats

Cats in the Midwestern and Southeastern United States who aren’t on tick prevention run the risk of contracting a disease that affects domestic and wild cats alike—bobcat fever.
As with many tick-borne illnesses, the distribution of this disease is spreading as climate change causes ticks to expand their geographic ranges. It’s safe to assume that the disease will begin to affect cats in other parts of the United States over time.

What is bobcat fever?

Bobcat fever, called cytauxzoonosis, is a disease that’s spread to cats by ticks, most often the lone star tick. A protozoan organism called Cytauxzoon felis infects the red blood cells of cats after the bite of an infected tick. While bobcats are the main host of the parasite (hence the name bobcat fever), it can infect all members of the cat family.

Symptoms of bobcat fever in young cats

While bobcats often don’t show any signs of cytauxzoonosis, infected domestic cats can develop very serious illness. Signs of bobcat fever in domestic cats include:

• Lethargy or lack of energy
  
• Decreased appetite
  
• Pale gums (due to anemia)
  
• Yellow gums and whites of eyes (jaundice)
  
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
  
• Fever

Without treatment, bobcat fever rapidly progresses, potentially causing hypothermia, seizures and coma. Bobcat fever is often fatal.

Bobcat fever treatment and prognosis

To diagnose the condition, the veterinarian will perform blood work (which will show anemia) and look at blood cells under the microscope.

Most cases of cytauxzoonosis will require hospitalization. An intravenous catheter will be placed for administration of fluids, blood transfusions and medications. Treatment may involve the administration of imidocarb (antiprotozoal drug) or a combination of atovaquone (antiprotozoal drug) and azithromycin (antibiotic).

If the condition is diagnosed and treated early, around 60% of cats survive. Cats who survive can become carriers. As such, they should remain inside so that ticks don’t bite them and spread the disease.

How to prevent bobcat fever in young cats

Cats at the highest risk are those who go outside or indoor cats who live with other animals that go outside. Keeping your young cat inside your home and on year-round flea and tick prevention is the best way to prevent bobcat fever in cats.