Overview
If you listened to the tabloid press you could be forgiven for thinking cuddling a kitten could kill you. Thankfully, cat scratch disease is usually mild, and relatively rare.
But what is it?
Bartonellosis – commonly known as cat scratch fever or cat scratch disease – can be contracted by both cats and people. As the name suggests, it’s usually contracted by being scratched by a cat that’s carrying the condition and is caused by a bacterial infection that can be passed from cat to cat, and even from cat to owner.
While cat scratch disease is rare, it’s important to know how to recognise the condition and take steps to prevent it.
How do cats catch bartonellosis?
Most cases of bartonellosis happen when cats get fleas — the disease is passed on through contact with flea faeces. Fleas leave bacteria on the cat’s skin, which your cat ingests when grooming. Even indoor cats can get fleas, which is why parasite prevention is recommended to all cat owners.
It's also thought that ticks on cats can pass on bartonellosis, but this isn't known for sure. Removing a tick from your cat incorrectly can even make it more likely your cat will catch any diseases the tick is carrying so, whether or not ticks do carry Bartonella, it's worth being careful in the event of ticks.
The condition can also be passed to other cats and humans through a scratch or bite from an infected cat, or if the saliva of an infected cat gets into a graze or open wound.
What are the symptoms of cat scratch disease?
Cat scratch disease symptoms usually appear between seven and 14 days after infection, though it can take several weeks.
Symptoms in cats include:
Fever
Swollen glands
A heavy infestation of fleas or ticks
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Depression
Symptoms in people include:
Muscular aches and pains
Fever or chills
Swollen lymph nodes – particularly those in the armpit, head or neck
General sickness and feeling unwell
Stomach cramps
Fatigue
Swelling or infection around the scratch or bite
Lumps around the bite or scratch
While cat scratch disease itself isn’t hugely dangerous to people, it can lead to complications – particularly in those with a compromised immune system.
Cat scratch disease treatment
Treatment of cat scratch disease in humans involves thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the affected area, including removing the pus to encourage healing, if necessary. Antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection.
Bartonellosis usually resolves itself quickly in cats – in many cases you may not even realise your cat has had the condition. In more severe cases, your vet will thoroughly clean the site of any wound, treat your cat for fleas if necessary, and may also prescribe antibiotics.
“While cat scratch disease itself isn’t hugely dangerous to people, it can lead to complications – particularly in those with a compromised immune system.”
Am I at risk of developing cat scratch disease?
You can develop cat scratch disease at any age. Women are more prone to the disease than men, and children aged between five and nine are most at risk.
Simple steps to avoid cat scratch disease
It’s not possible to avoid cat scratch fever altogether, but there are three simple steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing the infection:
Regularly treat your cat for fleas.
If you or your cat are scratched or bitten by another cat, be sure to clean and disinfect the area thoroughly, and stay vigilant for the signs and symptoms listed above.
Always wash your hands after stroking or handling your cat.
Want advice on cat scratch disease?
For expert advice on cat scratch fever get in touch with your local vet.
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Medically reviewed by John Ambler, BVM&S MRCVS
Published on 24/08/2018 • Reviewed on 08/02/2023