Cat Scratch Fever

Most people think Cat Scratch Fever, also known as Cat Scratch Disease CSD, is caused by a cat scratching you. This is only partly true.

Some cats carry a bacteria in their blood called Bartonella henselae. When a flea ingests the blood from the infected cat and leaves its feces behind, the feces actually contains this bacteria.

So if you have any type of open wound and come in contact with dog or cat that has fleas and the wound comes in contact with the bacteria Bartonella henselae, it can enter the blood stream of the human in rare cases. The name Cat Scratch Fever came from the fact that most cases were caused by a cat scratching someone. This is when infected flea feces is underneath the nail of the cat when scratching an individual. There are approximately 10,000 cases reported each year.

Symptoms include

• Fever, Headache and Lethargy

• Swollen Lymph Nodes

• Red bump or blister at scratch site

• Rare cases in those with Immunes Disorders can lead to a more serious Illness

It’s more common for little kids to get the disease as they rough house with kitties and get scratch more often. Symptoms last 3-14 days. See a doctor if you have suspicions you might have contracted the disease.

Prevention

• Wash scratch site immediately

• Have pets on flea prevention

• If you have an autoimmune disorder get cats over a year as it’s more common in kittens. The bacteria stays active in the cats blood from 30 days to 2 years. You can have your vet test your kitty for the disease if your concerned.

There is no vaccine for the disease so the best prevention to keep your family safe is to keep your pets flea free.

Barks n Meows is here to serve you and your pets. We believe every wag and purr should receive heartfelt care.

BarksnMeows.net

6086 Southwestern Blvd

Hamburg, NY 14075

716-980-6545

Please visit us at TikTok for a video rendering of this topic

https://www.tiktok.com/@jackieantonelli13/video/7557457278744530206?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7557462599458997815