As tick populations spread across the United States, so do the diseases they carry. That includes an especially dangerous one just for cats.

Cytauxzoonosis [sīt-ō-zō-ŭn-Ō-sĭs] — known as bobcat fever — is caused by a microorganism transmitted by Lone Star ticks. It spreads from bobcats — who don’t get sick from it — to domestic cats who bear the brunt. And the numbers may be increasing — in part because pet parents don’t know about it.

Cats can get sick up to two weeks after a tick bite. They lose their appetite, become lethargic and develop a fever. As they worsen, they become anemic and jaundiced and struggle to breathe. Over 70% of affected cats die within three days without veterinary care — and that care is complex and intensive.

Prevention is a much better idea, accomplished by keeping cats indoors and using a feline tick preventative year-round.