Infections Caused by a Cat Scratch

Playing with a cat can be a lot of fun, however a scratch from a cat can lead to a painful infection or disease. Although it is rare to contract an infection from a cat scratch, it is possible, and may require treatment by a doctor.

  1. Cat Scratch Disease

    • Cat scratch fever is not just a song; it is a real disease transmitted by a scratch from a cat. The bacterial disease is also called artonella henselae. People with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to having complications from the disease. Cats do not show symptoms of being ill, so there is no way to know that your cat may have the bacteria.

      A person who has cat scratch disease will experience swollen lymp nodes in the area of the head, neck and upper limbs. Other symptoms may include headache, fatigue, fever and redness around the scratch area.

      Cat scratch disease will typically clear up on its own without the need of medication. An over-the-counter pain medication can be taken to ease the pain associated with the swollen lymph nodes.

      If lymph nodes remain swollen for more than two months, an antibiotic may be needed.

    Prosthetic Joint Infection

    • Prosthetic joint infection is extremely rare, with only 18 reported cases. Patients who have prosthetic limbs can contract this infection from being bitten by a cat or a dog, however the majority of cases have been contracted by a feline scratch. The cat scratch may cause Pasteurella multocida infection, which causes sepsis of the prosthetic joint, especially if the patient has a compromised immune system.

      Those who contract this infection will acquire flu-like symptoms and a bacterial infection in the joint. Symptoms may show up between 24 hours to three months after the cat scratch.

      Prosthetic joint infection typically requires surgery along with intravenous antibiotics. In some cases, the prosthesis may need to be removed.

    Reducing Your Risk

    • There are a few things you can do to help reduce your risk of contracting a disease or infection from a cat scratch:

      Avoid rough play with cats, especially young kittens. Although it may be fun to play with cats, you are more likely to be scratched or bitten during rough play.

      If bitten or scratched by a cat, wash the area immediately with soap and water.

      If you have an open wound, do not let your cat lick the area. A cat's saliva can spread many types of bacterium.