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Cat scratch fever isn’t just a song by Ted Nugent. Being scratched by a cat is just one of the hazards of having one, but seemingly minor nicks can lead to nasty infections. It’s important to take good care of any cat-induced injuries.
Not only are cats’ claws sharp, but they can carry bacteria [1-5]. So, step one after getting scratched by a cat is to clean the wound [1-5]. Flush the wound with running water [2, 3] and then wash it with mild soap [1-5]. If it’s a serious enough scratch that it’s still bleeding after that, apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding [2, 3]. Then apply a topical antibiotic (like Neosporin) and cover with a sterile bandage [2, 3].
For most cat scratches, that’s all the attention the injury needs. If it doesn’t break the skin, all you have to do is clean any bacteria off, and you’re done. But sometimes, a scratch can get infected and even make you quite sick, so keep an eye on the wound and be vigilant for any symptoms of the infections below [1-5].
Cat Scratch Fever
Cat scratch fever, also called cat scratch disease or CSD, is an infection caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae [1-3, 5]. Cats become infected with B. henselae from fleas or by fighting with other infected cats [1-5]. Up to 30% of cats carry this bacterium in their blood [1]! But cats rarely become sick from it [1, 3, 5]. When an infected cat scratches or bites a human and breaks the skin, or licks a human’s open wound, then the B. henselae bacteria get into that person’s bloodstream, and that’s what causes CSD [1-5].
Symptoms typically start between 3 days and 2 weeks after the cat scratch or bite [1, 3, 5]. The injury may become red, swollen, warm, and painful; develop lesions; and exhibit pus [1, 3-5]. Later, lymph nodes near the injury may swell and get sore [1, 3-5]. Other symptoms that may develop include fever, headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, and joint pain, somewhat like the flu [1, 3-5].
Usually, CSD is not serious and will resolve on its own or with antibiotics [1-5]. However, in rare cases it can cause serious problems with the brain, eyes, heart, or other organs and require intensive treatment [1-5]. Children from ages 5-14 and people with weak immune systems are most likely to have these complications [1, 4, 5]. If you notice any signs or symptoms of CSD after being scratched by a cat, see a medical professional right away, just to be safe [1-5].
Other Infections You Can Get from Being Scratched by a Cat
Other pathogens can be present on a cats claws and be introduced under your skin by a scratch. One example is Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium on the skin of humans and other animals that can cause several types of infections when introduced inside the body [2]. Another culprit is Campylobacter [2]. Campylobacter is typically spread through cat feces, but cats bury their poop with their paws, so the bacteria can be on their claws, too [2]. A Campylobacter infection can cause fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea [2]. Pasturella bacteria are spread by cat bites and scratches, too [2]. The bacteria attack the joints and tendons, causing pain and swelling, and symptoms can appear within a few hours [2].
Quick Tips to Prevent Scratches
If you have cats, you’re probably going to get scratched sooner or later. There are a few things you can do to make it less likely, however. First of all, DO NOT play with your cat using your hands [3]! Only use toys, preferably ones that keep your hands far away from the action. If you use your hand like a toy, your cat will treat it like a toy. And you’ve seen how they treat their toys.
Keeping your cats nails trimmed can help prevent scratches as well, especially accidental ones [3]. Many cats don’t care for this, but they can usually be accustomed to it over time. You can have a groomer do it for you, but keep in mind that your cat will associate the groomer with the claw trimming. They may learn to resist their grooming appointments like they do their vet visits. There are advantages to doing it yourself at home and giving them their favorite treat when you’re done.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. (2023, June 13). Cat scratch disease (Bartonella henselae infection). https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/cat-scratch.html
- Cleveland Clinic. (2020, October 9). What you should do for a cat bite or scratch. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/cat-bites-scratches/
- Krebsbach, S. (2022, November 23). What to do if you are scratched by a cat. Preventive Vet. https://www.preventivevet.com/cats/what-to-do-if-you-are-scratched-by-a-cat
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Cat scratch disease. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/cat-scratch-disease
- Pei, D. N. and Soto, P. (n.d.). Cat bites and scratches: Sometimes more than just a cut. National Capital Poison Center. https://www.poison.org/articles/cat-bites
Published September 10th, 2023
