Cat Scratch Disease
How your best friend can really ruin your day
It’s not uncommon for our pets to take a swipe at us now and again, but most cat owners don’t know that their pets may carry a bacteria which if the teeth or claw breaks the skin, could lead to an infection called Cat Scratch Disease (CSD).
Fortunately, cat scratch disease sounds a lot worse than it is. Whilst the odd scratch from your pet isn’t usually anything to worry about, cat owners still need to make sure they’re taking precautions to make sure any nicks or bites don’t carry diseases.
What is Cat Scratch Disease?
Cat Scratch Disease is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae. This bacteria lives inside both red blood cells and the cells that line blood vessels and is spread most commonly by fleas.
Cats can pick up the bacteria through infected fleas either through their bites or if they ingest infected flea faeces. Humans can become infected through skin wounds and direct contact with the cat's saliva (eg by licking) or their claws.
Most cats infected with Bartonella do not display any symptoms, however humans if exposed can develop an infection and be unwell.
What are the symptoms of Cat Scratch Disease?
Symptoms include:
- a red bump, sore or blister around the site of the wound
- fever
- headache
- tiredness
- swollen lymph nodes (1-3 weeks later)
- aches and pains
It is worth noting that Bartonella can also be a co-infection with Lyme disease, which is a tick-borne disease.
Diagnosing and treating Cat Scratch Disease
Only a doctor can diagnose cat scratch fever, so always make an appointment if you are concerned.
In many cases, the immune system will kill the bacteria on its own. However, for people with poor immune systems or other illnesses, your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics.
Preventing Cat Scratch Disease
Firstly, try not to get scratched in the first place! If you’re playing with your pet, either wear long sleeves or try not to get them too wound up.
If they do scratch, clean the area with some good antibacterial wash and keep it clean and away from the cat until you’re fully healed.
Most importantly though, it’s essential that you maintain a regular schedule of flea prevention treatments, since studies have shown that by doing so, this can help to prevent infection and therefore reduce exposure to this bacteria. Flea prevention treatments can include:
Flea collars can vary in how they work; Seresto Flea and Tick Control collar for cats kills fleas (and repels and kills ticks) through contact without the need for them to bite your pet1. Just put it on your cat like a normal collar and with Seresto they’re protected for 7-8 months.
Spot-on cat flea treatments, such as Advantage Spot-on, contain a small amount of liquid that is applied to the skin at the base of the cat's head once a month. Many pet owners find them convenient as they are easy to apply. Advantage Spot-on kills fleas within 24 hours and prevents further infestations for 4 weeks. Fleas are killed through contact with the treated pet and do not have to bite to die1.
Tablets are another commonly used method to protect cats from fleas and can be given either by putting the tablet in with your pet's food or treats, or by gently giving it directly into their mouth. Speak with your vet about tablets for preventative flea control in cats. If your cat already has an infestation of fleas, one Capstar tablet starts killing adult fleas in just 15-30 minutes and lasts 24 hours; to prevent a re-infestation of fleas, you'll need to use a longer-acting preventative product afterwards too.
Flea Treatment Product Options
Seresto™ Flea and Tick Control collar for Cats
Suitable for cats and kittens over 10 weeks
- Mehlhorn et al. Parasitol Res (2001) 87:198-207, information is regarding mode of action and is not intended to relate to speed of kill or to imply parasites can be completely stopped from biting.
