About Cat Scratch Fever

Cat scratch fever, now called cat scratch disease by doctors, is a bacterial disease that may develop if you are bitten or scratched by a cat carrying a particular kind of bacteria. The disease is usually not dangerous when it affects healthy people, but people with certain underlying health conditions may experience complications.

  1. Identification

    • Cat scratch disease can occur if you are bitten or scratched by a cat carrying the Bartonella henselae form of bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 40 percent of cats carry this bacteria at some point in their lives. Cats that carry Bartonella henselae show no signs of illness, and it is impossible to determine which cats are carriers of the bacteria. You can also develop the disease if a cat transfers bacteria through its saliva to its fur. If you pet it afterward, it can affect you.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of cat scratch disease include a mild infection at the site of the scratch or bite, lymph node swelling, fever, fatigue, headache, and a decreased appetite. It can take several days to several weeks for symptoms to develop after the bacteria is transmitted. People who are receiving chemotherapy or have diabetes, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or other immune system problems at the time they develop cat scratch disease can develop complications. Common complications include bacillary angiomatosis, a disease characterized by purple skin lesions caused by increased development of blood vessels, or Parinaud's oculolandular syndrome, an eye condition with symptoms similar to pink eye.

    Diagnosis

    • If you remember being bitten or scratched by a cat--and you show the classic signs of cat scratch disease--your doctor may be able to make a diagnosis based on the signs you exhibit. A blood test can also be used to make a definitive diagnosis.

    Treatment

    • If cat scratch disease does not get better on its own, you will need to take antibiotics to clear the bacteria from your body. In some cases, your lymph nodes may become infected, and you may need to be drained. Draining is accomplished by inserting a needle into the lymph node and removing the infected fluid.

    Prevention/Solution

    • You can reduce your chance of developing cat scratch fever by avoiding rough play with your cats or provoking them. Younger cats are more prone to the bacteria, and you should take special care when playing with kittens. Bartonella henselae bacteria has been found in fleas. While the CDC reports that there is no evidence that an infected flea can give you cat scratch fever, it may a good idea to promptly treat any flea infestations in your home. Use a safe flea removal or prevention product on your cats.