Tick Season Spikes Feline Bobcat Fever Cases

Vets urge prevention as Oklahoma weather warms up

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:58am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A translucent X-ray photograph showing the ghostly outline of a lone star tick against the dark silhouette of a cat's internal anatomy, conceptually illustrating the threat of tick-borne illness.An X-ray view reveals the internal impact of a lone star tick's bite, which can transmit the potentially fatal bobcat fever disease to domestic cats.Today in Tulsa

As warmer weather returns to Oklahoma, animal experts are warning cat owners about a fast-moving and often fatal disease spreading through tick bites. Veterinarians are seeing a spike in cases of bobcat fever, a tick-borne illness that can quickly prove deadly for domestic cats.

Why it matters

Bobcat fever is a serious concern for cat owners in Oklahoma, as the disease is transmitted by ticks and can be fatal if not caught and treated early. With tick season ramping up, vets are urging pet owners to be vigilant about prevention and monitoring their cats for symptoms.

The details

Bobcat fever is caused by a parasite that infects the red blood cells of cats. It is transmitted through the bite of the lone star tick, which is common across Oklahoma. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and jaundice. Without prompt treatment, bobcat fever can lead to organ failure and death in as little as 10 days.

  • As warmer weather returns to Oklahoma in the spring.
  • Tick season typically ramps up in the spring and summer months.

The players

Skiatook Pet Hospital

A veterinary clinic in Skiatook, Oklahoma that has seen a spike in bobcat fever cases.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're seeing a lot more cases of bobcat fever this year compared to previous years. It's a serious disease that can progress very quickly, so cat owners need to be vigilant about prevention.”

— Dr. Sarah Thompson, Veterinarian, Skiatook Pet Hospital

What’s next

Veterinarians recommend that cat owners in Oklahoma take steps to prevent tick bites, such as using tick prevention medications, checking their cats regularly for ticks, and avoiding areas with high tick populations.

The takeaway

As tick season ramps up in Oklahoma, cat owners need to be on the lookout for bobcat fever, a potentially fatal tick-borne illness that is becoming more prevalent. Early detection and treatment are crucial to saving affected cats.