Cat Scratch Disease

Caring for a pet can at times be mystifying. A responsible care taker needs to be knowledgeable when it comes to sharing your home with a cat, dog or other small animal or reptile. Knowing specific concerns humans could encounter from living with a certain pet is essential to keeping both you and your pet healthy. One such health concern regarding cats is an infection called cat scratch fever or cat scratch disease. It is real and cat owners need to be aware of what it means for them.

I first encountered cat scratch disease years ago. A tiny scratch from an innocent, playful swipe across the back of my hand while playing with my cat. It didn't appear serious. After all, it was just a small scratch. However, a week later, that scratch had become red and tender to the touch. It was warm around the wound and had begun to drain. Obviously, it had become infected. I later found out, I had been infected with cat scratch fever. A bout with a nasty cold had depressed my immune system and the innocent cat scratch had allowed bacteria to enter.

Cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection called Bartonella henselae. Now don't start tossing your cats out the door. Although about 40% of cats will carry this bacteria at some point in their lives, it's not as bad as it sounds for the majority of people. The bacteria is found in the saliva of cats who are infected and they can carry this infection for months. Since cats are notorious cleaners, the bacteria is then spread around their bodies as they groom themselves. Humans are usually infected from a scratch or bite from their cat, however, we can also pick it up by simply petting a feline buddy and then wiping our eyes. Washing your hands after playing with or petting your cat can help reduce your risk of contracting the bacteria.

Cats who may have Bartonella henselae present in their saliva have no symptoms themselves. A kitten is more likely to be infected with the ability to pass the bacteria to humans than your older cat is.

Cat scratch fever can take between 3 to 10 days to infect a cat scratch or bite. If you experience tenderness and swelling or pus draining from the area, or have chills, tiredness, have a fever, vomit or are nauseous, swollen glands or bone or joint pain for more than two or three weeks, you may need antibiotics from the doctor to rid your body of the infection. In most cases, a healthy immune system will take care of the bacteria within a few weeks on its own. The infection will attack the lymph nodes, mainly around the upper arms, neck and head area of the infected person.

The group of people who need to be concerned about cat scratch fever are those without normal immune systems. Those with healthy immune systems may never know they were infected with a bacteria. People who have depressed immune systems because of HIV/AIDS or who have been in chemotherapy treatments for cancer, have diabetes or undergone organ transplants need to seek immediate medical attention if they have been scratched, bitten or suspect they may have been infected with this bacteria. A condition called bacillary angiomatosis can develop in people with HIV/AIDS or other immune deficiencies. This infection can cause abnormal growth in blood vessels that produce tumor like masses with life threatening inflammation in the brain, liver, spleen, lungs and bone marrow and can be fatal.

It's believed cats may become infected with the cat scratch disease bacteria from fleas. Another important reason to treat your pet with a quality flea control. Never allow your cat to lick any open wounds you may have on your body. Treat all cat scratches by washing the injured area with warm water and soap. A dab of an over the counter antibiotic cream, in most cases, should do the trick.

Cats are special to their care takers. A purring kitty snuggled in your lap is gratifying. Cats don't snuggle next to those they don't like. They picked you for a reason. Awareness is your best defense against a bacteria that could be present in your pet for a few months. Cat scratch disease is not to be feared. Understanding how to reduce your exposure and what to do if you should contract it is your best defense.

Melissa Stoppler, MD., What Is Cat Scratch Disease?, MedicineNet.com

Cat-Scratch Disease, FamilyDoctor.org

Cat Scratch Disease, KidsHealth