Cat scratch disease is caused by bacteria (a type of germ). People can get it if an infected cat or kitten scratches or bites them or licks an open wound.
Most cases in the U.S. happen during the fall and winter and usually affect kids, probably because they're more likely to play with cats and be bitten or scratched.
Bartonella henselaebacteria cause cat scratch disease. They live in infected cats' saliva (spit), but don't make the animals sick. In fact, kittens or cats may carry the bacteria for months. Fleas spread the bacteria between cats.
The first sign of a cat scratch infection is a blister or a small bump several days after the scratch or bite. It may look like a bug bite. Within a couple of weeks of a scratch or bite, one or more lymph nodes close to this area will swell and become tender.
These swollen lymph nodes appear most often in the underarm or neck areas. They range in size from about ½ inch to 2 inches in diameter and may be surrounded by a larger area of swelling under the skin. The skin over them can get warm and red.
In most kids, swollen lymph nodes are the main symptom of the disease, and the illness often is mild. If other symptoms happen, they might include fever (usually lower than 101°F or 38.3°C ), tiredness, loss of appetite, headache, rash, sore throat, and an overall ill feeling.
The swollen lymph nodes usually disappear within 2 to 4 months, but sometimes can last much longer.
Rarely, more serious problems can happen, usually in young kids or people with a weak immune system.
Doctors usually diagnose cat scratch disease based on an exam and asking whether the child was around a cat or kitten. During the exam, the doctor will look for signs of a cat scratch or bite and swollen lymph nodes.
In some cases, doctors order tests that can check for cat scratch disease.
Most cases of cat scratch disease do not need any special treatment. Doctors sometimes use antibiotics to treat a severe case. If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, give them to your child on schedule and for as many days as prescribed.
Kids with cat scratch disease don't need to be kept apart from other family members. Let your child rest as needed. If your child feels like playing, encourage quiet play while being careful to avoid injuring swollen lymph nodes. To ease soreness, you can give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Cat scratch disease is not contagious from person to person. The bacteria spread by the scratch or bite of an infected animal, most often a kitten. They also can spread if the animal's saliva (spit) comes in contact with a person's eye or through broken skin. Sometimes more than one case happens in the same family, usually through contact with the same infected animal.
Having one episode of cat scratch disease usually makes people immune for the rest of their lives.
If you're concerned about cat scratch disease, you do not need to get rid of the family pet. The illness is not common and usually is mild, and a few steps can help protect your kids from it:
If your child is scratched by a pet, wash the injured area well with soap and water.
If you think that someone caught cat scratch disease from your family pet, don't worry that your cat will have to be euthanized (put to sleep). Talk with your veterinarian about how to handle the problem.
Call the doctor whenever your child has swollen or painful lymph nodes in any area of the body. And always call your doctor if your child is bitten by an animal, especially if:
If your child has already been diagnosed with cat scratch disease, call the doctor if your child has a high fever, lots of pain in a lymph node, seems very sick, or has new symptoms.
Reviewed by: Amy W. Anzilotti, MD
Date Reviewed: Jan 1, 2021
