In 1978, rocker Ted Nugent had a hit single with the song Cat Scratch Fever. Each year, about 24,000 families learn that cat scratch fever isn’t just a song – it’s a real disease that can, in rare cases, cause serious complications.
Lynn Hampton grew concerned when she noticed that a scratch on her young daughter’s arm continued to grow larger, even two days after the family cat had scratched her. She took her daughter to the pediatrician, where she learned that her daughter had been infected with a bacterial affliction called cat scratch disease. Lynn was relieved to learn that in most healthy people, the disease is not serious. She was also surprised to find out that such a disease existed.
Cat scratch disease is transmitted to humans when a cat infected with the Bartonella henselae bacterium passes the bacteria through a bite or scratch. Some experts believe the infection may be linked to fleas. However, there is no evidence that a human can get cat scratch disease by being bitten by a flea that has also bitten an infected cat.
How to Prevent Cat Scratch Disease
The disease is passed from cat to human through bites or scratches. Kittens tend to be more prone to carrying Bartonella henselae, but the disease can be passed from an adult cat as well.
People of all ages can become infected, but children under 10 years of age are more susceptible to the disease than any other age group. This is likely because young children are more likely to play roughly with cats, resulting in bites and/or scratches.
While the disease is usually not serious, a 2001 study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) noted that of 32 children diagnosed with cat scratch disease at a Houston hospital, 14 required hospitalization. The disease can also cause serious complications for individuals with compromised immune systems.
Since the virus does not harm cats and does not make them ill, there are no visible signs that your cat could be infected with Bartonella henselae. However, there are some steps you can take to minimize the chance of your family contracting cat scratch disease.
First, avoid rough play with kittens or cats, as this can lead to biting and scratching. Make sure all family members understand the importance of being gentle with cats, as well as any other animals in the home.
Next, since there is a potential connection between flea infestation and Bartonella henselae, it’s important to control fleas. Using a monthly topical flea control product, such as Frontline for cats, is one of the best ways to prevent flea infestations. If your cat is already infested, treat the flea problem and then begin applying the monthly topical solution.
Additionally, never allow a cat to lick an open wound or sore, as the bacteria could be passed this way.
Lastly, if your cat scratches you, wash the scratch thoroughly with warm water and soap. Washing the scratch immediately helps reduce your chances of infection.
If someone in your family has recently suffered a cat scratch or bite, here are some symptoms to watch for that could indicate cat scratch disease:
- A red area surrounding a scratch or bite that continues to grow larger after 24 hours.
- A cat scratch that does not heal within the expected timeframe.
- Abdominal pain that is not accompanied by fever, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Painful lymph nodes.
- Red eyes or drainage from the eyes.
- Pain in the bones or joints.
If any of these symptoms appear, you should contact your physician immediately. Diagnosis is typically based on a history of a scratch or bite from a kitten or cat along with presenting some of the above symptoms. The doctor may also choose to perform a simple blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
For most people, the disease clears up without treatment. Others may require antibiotics. If the lymph nodes fail to drain on their own or if the swelling is particularly painful, your doctor may drain the lymph nodes using a needle.
Some people may experience complications from the disease. Possible complications include inflammation of the retina or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). These complications are rare and occur in less than 5% of people diagnosed with cat scratch disease. Other complications can involve bone lesions or problems with major organs.
There is no need to destroy a cat that carries the bacteria causing cat scratch disease. Even if someone in your home is infected, instituting common-sense precautions is the best way to prevent it from happening again. You can also talk to your vet about whether a round of antibiotics for your cat would be helpful.
The antibiotics would only aim to rid the cat of Bartonella henselae so it cannot infect you. There is some debate over whether such treatment is effective, which is why you should seek advice from your vet.
Cat scratch disease is usually not serious. Still, prevention is better than seeking a cure, so take the necessary precautions to keep your family – and your pets – healthy and happy.
