05/16/2026
What Cat Owners Need to Know!!
Bobcat fever (formally called Cytauxzoonosis) is an aggressive blood parasite that only affects cats. It does not impact humans or dogs. Without treatment, the survival rate is a devastating 3%, and infected cats can decline and die within 24 to 72 hours of showing symptoms
Yes, bobcat fever cases are currently on the rise, driven by warming spring temperatures and expanding tick populations. Veterinarians and animal experts across the Central, Southern, and Midwestern United States—especially in states like Oklahoma, Indiana, Tennessee, and Arkansas—are reporting significant spikes in infections.
Why Cases are Increasing
Tick Population Growth: The Lone Star tick and American dog tick (the primary transmitters) are thriving due to milder winters and earlier spring warming.Expanding Wildlife Habitats: An increase in wild bobcat numbers—the natural, asymptomatic hosts of the parasite—has broadened the reservoir for the disease.
Buddy just died today. I dont even remember how long ive had this 4 week old baby. Maybe 2 weeks now? This baby, I didn't see any tick, nor signs. The his tongue was yellow and his ears. I was thinking liver failure or Jaundice. So, I have him his time in the sun. He was still eating and drinking normally. I didn't start pushing fluids until he peed on me which was dark orange. This is our 2nd case in just 3 days. The first one Cheeto passed 2 days ago. Went to Greenview Veterinary Hospital thank you to Cpt Kevin and Tina Baldwin. Stacie Jones its with sadness that your kitty Cheeto passed. We got him fixed, vaccinated, with flea and tick preventives. We did bury him with respect and care. Then this baby passes today. Im not going to lie, this is the worst year for Kit Kat Alley Rescue with hoarding cases and deaths.
Ive also had people concerned that our death rate is climbing. Absolutely it is. There is a reason for that. Kit Kat Alley Rescue does just that. We RESCUE animals, mainly cats, but dogs too when terminally ill, abused, or neglected. So the intakes I normally accept are the terminally ill, injured, or severely neglected. The rehoming cases arent our first priority. That's what I personally specialize in and I have over 10 Animal Clinics and rescues including the State of Tennessee who trust my work. The ones that are adoptable, we find them homes that can afford them because the veterinarian cost of the severe cases we do take, isnt cheap. They deserve a better FOREVER home. This year, if your cats are outdoors, you will need to get some high grade preventives.
One flea and tick medication that we do not recommend to anyone is that poison they sell at the Dollar Tree called Guardian , I think. Do not buy your flea and tick meds at the dollar store. I could show you videos all day long of the reactions of what happens when you put cheap dollar tree meds on your pets. Just dont do it!! Walmart is fine, but I do recommend asking your veterinarian or vet techs which one they personally use. Can't afford it? Then be up front with your vet, "doc, I have 10 cats i take care of and that becomes expensive, can you suggest an alternative plan that can use?" I always believe, if you got the will, there is a way.
Bobcat fever 97% death rate. Rip Buddy and Cheeto
Again sure fire sign of Bobcat fever, yellow ears.
