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Could your cat pose a threat for passing cat scratch fever to your family?
Cat scratch disease, also sometimes called cat scratch fever, is a disease that can be passed from cats to people. However, with some very simple precautions, you can minimize the risks.
What Is Cat Scratch Disease?
Cat scratch disease is caused by a bacteria called Bartonella henselae which is carried by fleas. The infection in people is actually caused by inoculation of a scratch wound with infected flea dirt. This can happen when your cat’s claws become contaminated with flea dirt while he is scratching at himself. If your cat then scratches you, your wound may be also be contaminated with flea dirt and the disease known as cat scratch fever can be passed to you (or to other members of your family.) Bite wounds can also cause cat scratch disease.
What Happens to My Cat if He Is Infected with Bartonella henselae?
This is a question that is still open for debate. Some veterinarians believe that most cats infected with Bartonella henselae are asymptomatic and are seemingly perfectly healthy. However, there have been links made between Bartonella henselae and a feline oral disease known as stomatitis. Cats that infected with both Bartonella henselae and FIV have a higher incidence of stomatitis than cats that are infected with only one of these diseases. However, whether this link is meaningful or coincidental is still hotly debated.
Cats that are infected with Bartonella henselae can be treated with azithromycin, if necessary.
What Type of Disease Does Cat Scratch Fever Cause in People?
For most people, cat scratch disease will start with a swelling (known as a papule) at the site of infection/contamination. The local lymph node may swell and become somewhat painful and flu-like symptoms may develop. In most cases though, the infection will resolve without incident.
Immunosuppressed people can suffer much more serious effects from cat scratch, however. In these people, the infection may invade the body leading to a number of potential syndromes, including encephalitis, heart valve infection, and other conditions.
How Can I Protect Myself and My Family from Cat Scratch Disease?
Cat scratch disease is not generally a major worry for healthy people with strong immune systems. However, if you have an compromised immune system, you may want to consider the risk of cat ownership and infection with cat scratch disease.
Effective flea control is the best means of reducing the risk of infection. Cats that are free of fleas (and flea dirt) are not capable of spreading the infection even if they themselves are infected with Bartonella henselae.
Young cats (less than 1 year of age) are more likely to be infected with Bartonella henselae. Immunocompromised individuals considering cat ownership may want to consider adoption of a more mature cat to reduce the risk.
It is also a good idea not to encourage your cat to play roughly with you. Rough play behavior can result in bites and scratches from your cat.
If you are bitten or scratched by your cat, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. If you believe you have been infected with cat scratch disease or become ill with symptoms compatible with the disease, contact your physician.
Photo Courtesy of pinguino/Flickr.com
About Lorie Huston, DVM
Lorie Huston is a veterinarian, pet health and pet care expert, professional writer, blogger, social media and blogging consultant, and SEO strategist.
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