Deadly Bobcat Fever: A Disease Claiming Cat Lives in the Midwest

GREENE COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) A deadly disease that kills cats is showing up in Greene County.

Recently, vets in the area report seeing what’s known as Bobcat Fever in pet cats.

The disease comes from ticks that have bitten Bobcats who have the illness.

A vet said there’s only about a 60% chance of catching the disease early enough to save a cat.

Kami Graber, a Veterinarian at Heal Pet Care in Greene County, said the disease often kills a cat within 24 to 48 hours of them showing symptoms.

“Most cats, like I said, just do not survive this disease”, Graber said. “Prevention is absolutely key, even if your pet is indoor, you can bring ticks in from yourself, or your dogs can bring it into your cat, so outdoor cats are especially at risk. Indoor cats are definitely at risk as well, so we just need to have your pets on flea and tick prevention at all times.”

Common symptoms include lethargy, anorexia, high fever, and jaundice.