by Bridie Cavanaugh

Created on: May 06, 2009   Last Updated: May 16, 2010

Cat-scratch disease, also known as cat-scratch fever or Bartonella Henselae infection, is a bacterial infection which can be transmitted through cat saliva to humans. It is an uncommon infection in humans and is not considered severe unless the person has a weakened immune system. Cat-scratch disease is more common in kittens and young cats than it is in older felines. An estimated 40% of cats carry the bartonella henselae bacteria at some point in their lives.

Potential Causes of Cat-Scratch Disease:

1. Cats may get the bacteria from fleas.

2. Cats transmit the bacteria to humans through saliva. This transfer can take place directly via a cat bite. Indirect transfer occurs when a cat licks himself and transfers bacteria to his paws and then scratches a human.

3. Touching a cat with the bacteria and then rubbing your eyes may also transfer the disease.

Prevention of Cat-Scratch Disease:

1. Avoiding cats is one obvious way to prevent the disease. However, those of us who love cats will find this a unnecessary step.

2. Do not tease, or provoke, a cat as this often leads to scratches and bites.

3. Avoid playing roughly with cats, and be especially careful with kittens, this may entice them to scratch or bite.

4. Wash your hands after handling cats.

5. Wash, and disinfect, any cat bites and scratches immediately with soap, water and bacterial cleanser.

6. Provide flea prevention for your cat and get rid of any fleas as soon as possible.

7. Do not let your cat lick any of your open wounds. Be careful not to touch any wounds after petting a cat.

8. If you have a compromised immune system, consider adopting an older cat rather than a kitten. While the disease can occur in any cat it is more common in kittens. The infection rate is even higher if the cat is infected with fleas. Be sure the cat you are adopting is flea free.

Symptoms of Cat-Scratch Disease:

1. Fever that lasts for several days after being bitten or scratched.

2. Bone, joint or abdominal pain (for 2 to 3 weeks or more)

3. Swollen lymph nodes, usually near the site of injury (for 2 to 3 weeks or more). The lymph nodes will also be tender and painful.

4. A brownish bump, or sore, develops where a cat has bitten or scratched.

5. Headache and fatigue (for 2 to 3 weeks or more)

6. Poor appetite

Treatment of Cat-Scratch Disease:

1. Cat-scratch disease often clears without treatment within 2 to 4 months.
2. In severe cases, or for those with weak immune systems, antibiotics may be administered.
3. The doctor may choose to drain any large, or sore, lymph nodes.
4. Cats do not need to be treated for this disease. It does not harm them and they do not exhibit any signs of infection.

Cat-scratch disease rarely infects humans. Use common sense and do not encourage cats to scratch or bite. If bitten, or scratched, clean the wound as quickly as possible. Wash your hands after touching any unfamiliar cats. A little hand washing, and common sense, go a long way in preventing cat-scratch disease!

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