Vet Warns Outdoor Cat Parents About ‘Bobcat Fever' Risk

My outdoor cameras frequently catch bobcats wandering through our yard, and I've always loved watching their bouncy little moments on replay. But as beautiful as these wild cats are, they can also carry a dangerous disease that poses a serious risk to house cats: bobcat fever.

You can see Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM, explain the risks, how it spreads through ticks, and why outdoor cats are especially vulnerable in this May 7 TikTok from @veterinarysecrets:

@veterinarysecrets

Could Your Outdoor Cat Be at Risk for Bobcat Fever? If your cat spends time outdoors, this is one of those things I think you should know about. Comment "ebook" to get a copy of Dr. Jones' free book sent to you #bobcatfever#bobcatfeverincats#tickborneillness#catdiseaseawareness#lonestartick#americandogtick

original sound - Andrew Jones, DVM

As Dr. Jones explains, bobcat fever, also known as cytauxzoonosis, or C. felis, is caused by a parasite called Cytauxzoon felis. The disease spreads through tick bites, primarily from ticks that first feed on infected bobcats before attaching to domestic cats. The good news is that Cytauxzoon felis does not affect humans or dogs, but it can be extremely dangerous for domestic cats.

According to Dr. Jones, both Lone Star ticks and American dog ticks can spread the parasite. The tricky part is that many bobcats carrying Cytauxzoon felis don't show obvious symptoms, making it difficult to know when the disease is present in an area.

Related: Vet Shares Simple Pressure Point To Help Calm Anxious Dogs

So if you live somewhere bobcats are common, and your cat spends time outdoors, there is unfortunately a real risk of exposure. Dr. Jones notes that while treatment options do exist, the disease can become severe very quickly. Cats who survive may remain carriers afterward, potentially spreading the parasite to other cats through ticks.

Symptoms of Bobcat Fever in Domestic Cats Can Become Severe Quickly

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, symptoms of cytauxzoonosis in cats can include:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Jaundice
• Dehydration

The illness often progresses rapidly, which is why veterinarians stress the importance of early treatment.

When it comes to prevention, Dr. Jones says indoor cats are generally not at significant risk because exposure typically happens outdoors through infected ticks. He also discusses several tick prevention options in the video, including cedar oil-based products formulated specifically for cats, which have been shown to help prevent tick attachment.

SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends

Dr. Jones also highlights devices like the Tickless Mini, which attaches to a collar and emits ultrasonic waves to repel ticks. "It may be beneficial, and some pet parents find it effective, but in general, it seems to be a 50/50 hit or miss," Dr. Jones says of the device. "But it's definitely better than doing nothing at all."

For cat parents living in areas where bobcats and ticks are common, this is definitely one of those reminders that outdoor access comes with risks many of us don't realize until it's too late. For outdoor cats in areas where bobcats and ticks are common, knowing the early warning signs could make all the difference.

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 5:35 AM.