The Washington County Animal Shelter is warning cat owners to be on the lookout for symptoms of Bobcat fever, a tick-borne illness that can be deadly. The disease is spread through the bite of a lone star tick, which can be identified by a small white dot on its back.
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of Bobcat fever include yellow or white gums, yellowing ears, high fever, dehydration, and heavy breathing. If you suspect your cat has been infected, it’s essential to take them to the vet for a check-up. Laila Procter with the Washington County Animal Shelter advises, ‘Take them to the vet for sure, get them checked out, make sure that that is what they have.’
Tick season typically lasts through the fall, so it’s crucial to be vigilant and take steps to protect your cat. If you find a tick on your cat, the shelter advises pulling it straight up and off with tweezers without twisting it, making sure to remove the mouthpart as well.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
