How to Avoid Cat Scratch Disease

It’s an occupational hazard of cat ownership, but cat scratch disease can be particularly nasty in young children. Here’s what it is and how to prevent it…

catscratch2Kittens and babies have a fair amount in common. Both are cute and cuddly, both spend a lot of their time sleeping and both are naturally inquisitive. In many ways, they go well together, but it is that innate curiosity that can cause painful problems. Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a case in point.

What is it?

Also known as cat scratch fever, CSD predominantly affects people and, as the name suggests, is mostly caused by scratches. The culprit is the Bartonella hensleae bacterium, which is generally found in kittens and transferred between the little fur balls by flea bites. Although the cats themselves rarely, if ever, display any symptoms of the disease, it is common across all breeds, so vigilance is necessary.

Occasional scratches from cats are an occupational hazard for every cat owner and it is important to stress that not every scratch will automatically lead to an outbreak of CSD. However, the risk is ever-present and because the symptoms tend to be more severe in infants and children, it is important to teach them to treat kittens and cats properly and not to be overly, accidentally rough with them to avoid scratches.

What are the symptoms?

Typically, a small blister develops several days after the scratch, followed within a couple of weeks by swollen lymph nodes (in the armpits and neck) and then flu-like symptoms (headache, joint pain, loss of appetite and general lethargy) that can last for a number of weeks. However, in people with weakened immune systems, the symptoms can be even more severe, including fever, vomiting, weight loss and even seizures.

Generally, CSD usually resolves itself, but in severe cases treatment with antibiotics is required. Consult your doctor if in any doubt.

How can I prevent it?

The best prevention is to ensure you or your children are never scratched or bitten by your cat. Teach young children the warning signs (twitching tail, growl) than can precede a cat scratch and never leave them to play with a kitten or adult cat unsupervised. If a bite or scratch does occur, clean and disinfect the wound immediately.
Because the disease is passed from cat to cat by fleas, make sure you regularly treat your cat with a product like Advantage to further protect your family from CSD.