Cat Scratch Fever

House cats are notorious for their love to rub up on anything, whether it be your legs, the side of the couch, or their cat tree. This bobcat goes to show that wild cats have similar behaviors...but their cat tree is a real one!

These are four photos of this bobcat rubbing its cheek and back against the downed log. What you can't see is that we've placed a smelly scent lure on this log, which this cat loves! We get photos of a variety of animals rolling in the scent lure, but none look as elegant as this bobcat.

You may be familiar with cat scratch fever, but if you've only heard of it from the Ted Nugent song, let's talk a little bit about it. No, cat scratch fever is not what's happening in these photo with our buddy scratching itself on a log. Cat scratch fever, or cat-scratch disease (CDS) is caused by a bacterial infection. It's relatively common in domestic cats, with it mainly being transmitted cat to cat by fleas. It can be transmitted to humans via a scratch or bite from an infected cat.  

But it's not just domestic cats that are infected with the bacteria; wild cats, such as bobcats, can also get it. The bacteria can be transferred from your cat to a wild bobcat (or visa versa), which then can spread to more wild animals. Although cases in humans are rare, it is still important for your safety, along with your cat and the wild cats, that we keep our domestic cats inside. CSD just barely 'scratches' the surface of the potential disease your house cat can pick up and bring into your home if you let them wonder outside. Let the bobcats and cougars roam the woods, and let your cat be the king of his/her own domain: your house!