Cat Scratch Fever Facts

Cat scratch fever, also called cat scratch disease, is a bacterial disease that is caused by a scratch or bite from a cat. Kittens are most likely to pass this condition onto humans. Because cats show no signs of having the disease, it is not possible to know which ones have it.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of cat scratch fever include swollen lymph nodes, headache, fever, poor appetite and fatigue. In rare cases, cat scratch fever can lead to bacillary angiomatosis or Parinaud's oculolandular syndrome.

Transmission

• Cat scratch fever can only be transmitted from cat to human. Humans cannot pass the disease onto other humans.

Duration

• Cat scratch fever lesions (the site at which the scratch or bite occurred) often heal within a matter of days. Swollen lymph nodes disappear in about two to four months.

Treatment

• Cat scratch fever often goes away on its own. Antibiotics can be prescribed, and fluids can be removed from swollen lymph nodes that become engorged and painful.

Prevention

• Cat scratch fever can be prevented by avoiding stray and unknown cats, washing cat scratches with soap and water and keeping your home and cat flea-free.