Bacterial Infections in Cats

Cats and kittens are susceptible to a variety of bacterial infections. Luckily, vaccinations prevent the majority of these infections, prolonging the life of a cat. Usually, cats pick up these infections from exposure to bacteria in the outdoors or from contaminated foods, but cat owners should be aware of a variety of transmission methods.

  1. How Infection Occurs

    • Fleas or ticks that have been feeding on an already infected animal can infect a cat. The bacterial infection transfers to the cat and breeds in its blood. Eating a dead, infected animal can also infect a cat.

    Transmission to Humans

    • Some bacterial infections, like Cat Scratch Disease (CSD), can also transfer to humans through a bite or scratch. More seriously, so can the plague, which is more rare but still reported in the U.S. When a cat is suffering from the plague, it will display the same symptoms as a human would. However, in diseases like CSD, cats only sometimes suffer; many are simply carriers.

    General Symptoms

    • Fever, swollen lymph nodes and muscle pains are the most common symptoms of a bacterial infection in a cat. Appetite loss is also a common symptom if the infection persists over time and often leads to dehydration. Vomiting and excessive discharges--from the eyes, nose or genitals--are also warning signs that a cat is ill and should see a veterinarian immediately.

    Ways to Prevent Transmission

    • Primary causes of infection are fleas, ticks and other parasites. Keeping a cat healthy involves not only killing the parasites but also preventing them from feeding on or infesting the cat. In addition, cats are carnivorous and may become infected by eating diseased flesh. Owners should not let them eat any animals that they may come across.

    Care and Treatment

    • If owners note any unusual symptoms, they should take the cat to the veterinarian immediately. After performing tests to diagnose the cat, the veterinarian will prescribe a round of antibiotics that owners should administer as ordered. Because some infections can attack humans, the veterinarian may advise owners to undergo medical screening as well. Owners should keep their cat well hydrated and, if necessary, indoors.