06/01/2026
West Tennessee is seeing an increase in cases of Bobcat Fever (Cytauxzoonosis) in cats here in West Tennessee due to expansion of bobcat habitats and prevalence of the Lone Star and American Dog Tick.
This serious and often fatal disease is spread through tick bites, with March- September being the highest risk months. This makes flea and tick prevention more important than ever.
Signs and symptoms to watch for include:
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or weakness
• High Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Pale or yellow gums
• Hiding or sudden behavior changes
Symptoms can progress quickly, so early veterinary care is critical.
The best protection is prevention. We strongly recommend keeping your cats on year-round flea and tick prevention, even indoor cats.
NexGard COMBO is an excellent option that helps protect cats against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites in one monthly topical treatment.
If your cat is not currently on prevention or you notice any concerning symptoms, please contact our clinic right away to schedule an appointment.
Protect your pets and help keep them safe this flea and tick season.