JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. -- A common house cat is suffering from a disease that has wiped out millions throughout history -- the bubonic plague.
The Jefferson County pet tested positive Monday for the disease, which is commonly carried by fleas and can be passed along still to this day.
"It is not uncommon for cats to become infected with plague in an environment where plague is circulating," Jefferson County officials said in a release.
Officials warned against allowing pets to roam, as they could come into contact with fleas which have recently feasted on infected rodents.
A host of counties in Colorado test for the plague, and thankfully for this cat -- it is now being treated by a veterinarian.
There have been seven statewide cases of the plague in animals in 2016, and 20 human cases from 2005 through 2016.
No Colorado residents have contracted the plague in 2016.
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