Moore, Okla. – A domestic cat discovered on a road near the Moore Animal Welfare Center was later confirmed to have bobcat fever, a lethal disease spread by lone‑star ticks. The animal showed severe lethargy, dehydration, and a yellow discoloration of its skin, ears, eyes, and gums before succumbing to the infection.

Veterinary assessment

Nicole McKim, director of the Moore Animal Shelter, described the cat’s condition as “a severe situation that required urgent medical attention” as soon as the yellow tint was noted. Despite rapid testing that confirmed the presence of the parasite, the disease had progressed too far for treatment to be effective.

“Unfortunately, the disease had advanced so far that the cat was not able to be saved,” McKim said.

Understanding bobcat fever

Troy Acree of Midwest City Veterinary Hospital explained that bobcat fever is caused by a parasite that infects a cat’s blood cells. The parasite is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected lone‑star tick, which can acquire the organism from bobcats that serve as natural reservoirs. Once a tick carrying the parasite bites a domestic cat, the disease can develop quickly.

“By the time you hit about day four or five, if you’re not treated, you’re gone,” Acree warned.

Prevention tips for cat owners

The shelter confirmed this is the first bobcat fever case they have encountered, and no other cats have been infected. Veterinarians recommend two key steps to protect pets:

• Keep cats indoors. Limiting outdoor exposure reduces the chance of tick bites.
• Use regular flea‑and‑tick medication. Effective preventatives can kill ticks before they transmit the parasite.

Acree emphasized that early detection is critical. Owners should watch for signs such as lethargy, loss of appetite, dehydration, or any yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes, and seek veterinary care immediately.

Community response

Local animal‑welfare groups are using the incident to raise awareness about tick‑borne diseases in the area. The Moore Animal Welfare Center plans to distribute informational flyers and host a short seminar on tick prevention at the shelter next month.

Residents are encouraged to inspect their yards for ticks, keep grass trimmed, and consider professional landscaping services that reduce tick habitats. By taking proactive steps, cat owners can help safeguard their pets against this rare but deadly disease.

Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.