Pet cats are adorable and affectionate to their owners. However, there are instances when feline companions accidentally cause injury through a scratch or bite. They may not mean to do it, but these injuries may cause an infection called “cat scratch disease”.
CSD, sometimes called cat scratch fever, is a type of infection caused by the Bartonella henselae. The bacteria is commonly found in a cat’s saliva, which can be transmitted through scratches, bites, or flea infestations.
This bacterial infection is often mild, but it can still cause complications in people with compromised immune systems. Cat owners must stay vigilant against CSD, so learning how to prevent this infection is essential.
Symptoms of Cat Scratch Disease
Cats are carriers of the bacteria that cause cat scratch fever. More often, they don’t get infected by this disease and carriers don’t show any symptoms. However, there are rare cases when cats can also get affected and experience symptoms.
In humans, cat scratch disease has three stages of symptoms categorized as mild, moderate, and severe cases.
- Mild – The scratch or bite wound becomes red and swollen, then accompanied by fatigue and fever.
- Moderate – Muscle pain and headaches with swollen lymph nodes typically located near the wound, or sometimes can appear in the armpit or neck.
- Severe – In rare cases, vision problems, internal organ infections, and neurological symptoms may appear.
Cat scratch fever cases are not that common, but they can affect people of all ages, including children. The infection may become worse if left untreated. This is why at the first sign of any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
How Is Cat Scratch Disease Diagnosed?
Doctors would check for any clinical symptoms of cat scratch disease in a patient. The blood tests can be done to detect antibodies or bacterial DNA. For severe or persistent cases, PCR testing may be used as well.
Pet owners may also bring their cats to the veterinarian to support the doctor’s diagnosis. A vet may conduct blood work and antibody testing on a cat that’s suspected to be carrying the Bartonella bacteria.
Cat Scratch Fever Treatment Options
People who have been positively diagnosed with a mild case of CSD typically don’t require any medical treatment. Doctors may advise the patient to rest, hydrate, and care for the wound properly to prevent secondary infections.
For those with moderate to severe cases, doctors may prescribe antibiotics, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory medications. Extremely severe cases may need hospitalization.
Cats that have been found positive with Bartonella usually do not require treatment. In case a cat shows symptoms, the cat veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics and flea control treatment. Supportive care may also be given, which includes fluids and anti-inflammatory medicine.
How to Prevent Cat Scratch Disease
Cat scratch fever may be rare, but preventing it entirely is still better given that a severe case of CSD can cause dangerous symptoms. Here are some ways to prevent this rare infection.
1. Handle Your Cat Properly
Cats are smart creatures and are often gentle when playing with their owners, especially with children. However, initiating rough play can get them too excited, and they can sometimes bite and scratch unintentionally.
Kittens can bite and scratch their owners as well since they are still inexperienced with socializing. It’s important to handle them properly and train them to not scratch or bite during playtime.
Also, when you have an open wound, even when not caused by the cat, you shouldn’t let your pet lick it. The bacteria can be transferred to any open wound from their saliva.
2. Manage Flea Infestations
Cats that don’t carry Bartonella can get infected when they get bitten by a flea from an infected cat. This is why cats that have flea infestations have a greater chance of spreading or acquiring the bacteria.
This is why regular parasite prevention treatments are important. Veterinarians often recommend monthly or quarterly treatments, which involve special medication to target certain parasites. They can be given orally or applied externally. It’s best to consult your vet for the best treatment plan for your cat.
3. Practice Good Hygiene
Since the bacteria is passed on through a cat’s saliva, always wash your hands after handling your feline companion. They groom themselves by licking their bodies. There’s a chance that you might get infected by simply petting your cat and rubbing your eyes.
Keeping claws trimmed can also reduce the chances of getting scratched severely by your cat. If you’re unaware of how to cut your cat’s nails properly, you can bring them to a professional cat groomer.
4. Keep Your Environment Clean
It’s important to keep your cat’s living space clean and free from fleas. Clean the cat bedding and play areas regularly. Keep their litter boxes and feeding bowls sanitized. You cat may also get fleas or get infected outdoors, so you may want to limit them from roaming to minimize the risks.
5. Schedule Regular Vet Check-ups
A healthy and parasite-free cat is less likely to transmit cat scratch disease to you and your family. Schedule routine veterinary check-ups to monitor fleas and your cat’s health.
You must also consider that some health conditions may cause behavioral issues in cats. When they feel pain or discomfort, they can become grumpy or aggressive.
The vet may recommend annual check-ups for adult cats and more frequent visits for young kittens and senior cats.
Conclusion
Cats sometimes scratch their owners for various reasons. Most of the time, these happen accidentally. While most scratches are harmless and can be managed at home, these injuries may cause a rare infection that can affect the brain and other internal organs.
It’s best to prevent cat scratch disease to lower the probability of acquiring a severe case of this condition. Keep your cat healthy, avoid engaging in rough play, and prevent flea infestations. Through these simple ways, you can be safe from this bacterial infection.
FAQs
1. Can indoor cats carry bacteria that cause cat scratch disease?
Yes, indoor cats can carry the Bartonella henselae that causes cat scratch disease. They can get infected if they get bitten by a flea from an infected cat. It’s also possible to acquire it from surfaces where an infected cat’s saliva has been.
2. Is cat scratch fever different from cat scratch disease?
No, they are the same infection that’s caused by the same type of bacteria. These are only different terms or names used to identify the condition.
3. Should I get rid of my cat if I’m immunocompromised?
No, you don’t necessarily need to get rid of your cat if you have a weak immune system. There are different ways to prevent CSD. It’s important to consult your doctor and veterinarian to learn how you can prevent acquiring this infection.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
