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Cat-Scratch Disease, Adult

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Cat-Scratch Disease, Adult

Elsevier Patient Education © 2023 Elsevier Inc..
Last revised: October 6, 2023.

Cat-scratch disease is a bacterial infection that is spread to humans through a bite or scratch from an infected cat. The infection can also be spread by having contact with an infected cat and then touching your eyes or mouth. It is sometimes called cat-scratch fever. The infection does not spread from person to person (is not contagious).

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by bacteria called Bartonella henselae. These bacteria are carried by fleas. Cats get infected from flea bites or flea droppings. The bacteria may be present in the mouth or on the claws of cats or kittens, especially those that are younger than 1 year old. Cats do not look or act sick when they have this infection.

What increases the risk?

You are more likely to develop this condition if:

  • You own or interact with a cat.

  • You have a weakened body defense system (immune system). Your immune system may be weakened if:

    • You are pregnant.

    • You have certain conditions like cancer, HIV, or AIDS.

    • You received a donated organ (transplant).

What are the signs or symptoms?

A person with a swollen lymph node in the armpit and a rash on the hand caused by cat-scratch disease.
Common symptoms of this condition include:

  • A bite or scratch that does not heal.

  • A red bump near the wound. The bump may be red, warm, and tender to the touch.

Other symptoms may take a few weeks to develop. They may include:

  • Swollen, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the neck or under the arms.

  • Fever.

  • Rash.

  • Joint pain.

  • Headache.

  • Low energy(listlessness).

  • Loss of appetite.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on your symptoms and your history of a scratch or bite from a cat. Your health care provider will examine your skin and look for swollen lymph nodes. You may have tests, such as:

  • A culture test. This involves testing a sample of fluid or pus from your wound.

  • Blood tests.

  • A lymph node biopsy. This involves removing and testing a tissue sample from a swollen lymph node.

How is this treated?

Cat-scratch disease usually goes away without treatment in 2–4 months. However, a more severe infection may require antibiotic medicine if:

  • You have other illnesses or problems that weaken the immune system.

  • Your symptoms cause discomfort.

If you have a painful, swollen lymph node, it may need to be drained with a needle. This is rare.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

  • If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

General instructions

  • Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.

  • Apply warm compresses to the area as told your health care provider.

  • Check your wound or swollen lymph node areas every day for signs of infection. Check for:

    • Redness, swelling, or pain.

    • Fluid or blood.

    • Warmth.

    • Pus or a bad smell.

  • Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.

How is this prevented?

  • Avoid playing roughly or taking food away from a cat.

  • Wash your hands well after you have contact with a cat.

  • If you get scratched or bitten, wash the injured area as soon as possible with warm water and soap.

  • Do not let a cat lick your skin if you have any cuts, sores, or scratches.

  • Do not pick up or play with stray cats.

  • If you have an indoor cat:

    • Do not let your cat outside. Having contact with stray cats may make your cat more likely to have contact with the bacteria.

    • Trim your cat’s nails.

    • Check your cat for fleas. Ask your veterinarian which flea and tick repellent is safe to use for you and your cat.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You have signs of infection in your wound or lymph nodes, such as:

    • Redness, swelling, or pain.

    • Fluid or blood.

    • Warmth.

    • Pus or bad smell.

  • You have a fever.

  • Your symptoms get worse or do not get better.

  • You have pain in your bones.

Get help right away if:

  • You develop pain in your abdomen.

  • Your skin rash spreads.

  • You feel dizzy or you faint.

  • You develop inflammation of your eye or vision problems.

  • You develop a stiff neck.

These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Summary

  • Cat-scratch disease, sometimes called cat-scratch fever, is a bacterial infection that is caused by a bite or scratch from an infected cat.

  • The infection can cause a red bump near the wound, swollen lymph nodes, and flu-like symptoms.

  • Bacteria that cause this condition may be present in the mouth or on the claws of cats or kittens, especially those that are younger than 1 year old.

  • If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.

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