Cat Scratch Disease
Cat scratch disease (CSD), also known as cat scratch fever, is a dangerous disease that can be avoided
if the proper precautions are taken. Victims catch this illness if they are bit or scratched by a cat
carrying the infection-causing bacteria in their saliva. About 40% of all cats carry these bacteria
in their saliva at some point in their lives, so you do have a decent chance of being exposed to it
if you tend to be scratched or bitten by cats when you play with them.
The symptoms of CSD typically take up to a few weeks to arise. If you develop an infection, you should
expect to experience the following physical indications:
- Bump or pustule at the scratch or bite site
- Fever
- Fatigue and malaise
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
If these signs begin to arise a week or two after you handled a cat, then you likely have developed
a case of cat scratch disease.
Reduce Your Risk
There are certain steps you can take that will reduce your risk of catching cat scratch disease from
an infected feline. Because cats are not affected by the CSD-causing bacterium, you can’t tell whether
or not a feline is carrying this dangerous infection in its saliva. Therefore, when handling or playing
with any cat, you should exercise the following precautions:
- Don’t play roughly with cats, especially kittens, who may be more prone to biting and scratching
- Always wash your scratches or bites immediately with warm water and soap
- Make sure your cat does not catch fleas
- Keep your cat from licking or touching any open wounds on your body
If you start to feel the symptoms of cat scratch disease, then you should seek medical attention as
soon as possible.
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more about cat scratch disease and how it can affect you, then your Houston
vet clinic can provide you with the answers you need. To speak with an experienced animal care
professional, contact us today.