Veterinarians in the Kansas City metro are urging cat owners to act quickly as cases of a deadly tick-borne disease known as bobcat fever (cytauxzoonosis) appear to be on the rise.
Source: KCTV5, July 14, 2026. Link. Bobcat fever is caused by the parasite Cytauxzoon felis, which is spread through the bite of an infected tick, veterinarians say. Bobcats are the parasite’s natural host, but domestic cats can become infected through tick exposure. Any cat with outdoor access is at risk, regardless of age.
INSIGHTS: Veterinarians recommend these steps to reduce risk:
- Keep cats indoors.
- Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention year-round.
- Check cats for ticks after outdoor exposure.
- Keep yards maintained by mowing and removing brush where ticks thrive.
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