What Is Cat Scratch Fever? Symptoms & Treatment

If you've ever been scratched by a cat and then found yourself Googling "what is cat scratch fever" a few days later when a weird lump showed up in your armpit, you're not alone. It sounds like something from a children's book. But it's a real bacterial infection.

And it's more common than most people think.

The CDC estimates 12,000 to 24,000 cases occur in the United States each year. Most of them happen in kids under 14. It's usually mild.

But it can turn serious, especially if you or your child has a weakened immune system. Let's walk through what's actually happening inside your body.

Quick Answer

Cat scratch fever is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae. You get it from a scratch or bite from an infected cat. Most healthy people recover without treatment.

The main sign is a swollen lymph node near the scratch site. It usually goes away on its own in two to four weeks.

What Is Cat Scratch Fever? A Quick Look at the Infection

Cat scratch fever, also called cat scratch disease or CSD, is a zoonotic infection. That's a fancy way of saying it jumps from animals to humans. The animal in this case is the cat.

Specifically, cats that carry the bacterium Bartonella henselae in their blood.

The infection doesn't come from the cat being mean or dirty. It's not about the cat's personality. It's about fleas.

Fleas carry the bacteria between cats. When a flea bites a cat, it leaves behind infected feces. The cat scratches itself, gets the feces under its claws, and then scratches you.

That's how the bacteria enters your skin.

The good news is that most cases are mild. You might not even need a doctor. But the tricky part is that the symptoms look like a lot of other things.

Swollen lymph nodes can look like lymphoma. Fever can look like the flu. That's why knowing the specifics matters.

The CDC has a thorough page on Bartonella infections, and the data we're sharing here aligns with their surveillance guidelines. As of 2026, there is still no vaccine. Prevention relies on smart cat handling and flea control.

The Real Cause: Bartonella henselae and How It Spreads

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of the bacterium itself. Bartonella henselae is a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium. It's a tricky little bug. It lives inside red blood cells and the cells that line blood vessels.

That's why it can hide from the immune system for a while.

The Cat's Role

Cats are the main reservoir. Kittens under a year old are the most likely carriers. About 30 to 40 percent of cats carry Bartonella henselae at some point in their lives.

Most of them show zero symptoms. They don't look sick. They don't act sick.

They just carry the bacteria in their blood.

Stray cats and outdoor cats have higher rates of infection. Indoor cats with no flea exposure are much less likely to carry it. But indoor cats can still get fleas from other pets, from you, or from a trip outside.

So no cat is completely risk-free.

The Flea Connection

Fleas are the key. The cat flea Ctenocephalides felis is the vector. When a flea bites an infected cat, it ingests the bacteria.

The bacteria multiply in the flea's gut. The flea then poops out infected feces right onto the cat's skin. The cat scratches, and the feces get under the claws.

This is the critical chain. No fleas, no transmission between cats. And if a cat has no fleas, it's unlikely to get infected in the first place.

So flea control is your number one prevention tool.

How You Get Infected

You get infected in three ways:

• A scratch that breaks the skin
• A bite that breaks the skin
• A cat licking an open wound or your eyes or mouth

The bacteria enter through the break in your skin. They don't need a deep wound. A tiny scratch from a playful kitten is enough.

The bacteria then travel through your lymphatic system to the nearest lymph node. That's why the swelling shows up in the armpit, neck, or groin, depending on where the scratch was.

Who Actually Gets Cat Scratch Fever? (The Numbers Might Surprise You)

This is where the data gets interesting. You might think it's a rare disease. It's not.

It's just underdiagnosed.

The CDC Numbers

The CDC pegs the annual U.S. cases at 12,000 to 24,000. But the real number is probably higher. Many people never see a doctor.

They have mild symptoms that go away on their own. So the official count is an underestimate.

Age Groups

Children aged 5 to 14 are the most common patients. Why? They play with cats.

They're more likely to get scratched. And they're more likely to be rough with kittens. Boys and girls get it at roughly the same rate.

Adults can get it too. But they're less likely to be scratched by a cat. And if they do get scratched, they might not remember it.

The scratch can be so small that it heals before the lymph node swells.

Risk Factors

Here's a breakdown of who is most at risk:

The Immunocompromised Difference

If you're healthy, cat scratch fever is usually a nuisance. But if you're immunocompromised, it's a different story. The bacteria can spread through your bloodstream to other organs.

This is called disseminated disease. It can affect your liver, spleen, eyes, heart, and brain.

We'll cover complications in detail in a later section. But it's worth noting here: if you have a weakened immune system, do not brush off a cat scratch. See a doctor immediately.

Early Signs You Shouldn't Ignore (From the Scratch to the Swollen Node)

The timeline of cat scratch fever is important. It doesn't happen instantly. It develops over days to weeks.

That's why it's often missed.

The Inoculation Papule

The first sign is a small bump at the scratch site. It's called an inoculation papule. It looks like a bug bite or a small pimple.

It appears 3 to 10 days after the scratch. It's usually red, raised, and maybe a little tender.

Most people don't notice it. They think it's just a mosquito bite or an ingrown hair. But this is the starting point.

The bacteria entered through the skin here, and this is the first sign of the immune system fighting back.

The Swollen Lymph Node

The classic sign of cat scratch fever is a swollen lymph node. It shows up 1 to 3 weeks after the scratch. The node is usually near the scratch site.

If the scratch was on your arm, the node in your armpit swells. If it was on your leg, the groin node swells. If it was on your face or neck, the neck node swells.

The node is typically:

• 1 to 5 centimeters in size (about the size of a grape to a small egg)
• Tender to the touch
• Warm
• Red over the skin

About 10 to 30 percent of the time, the node will suppurate. That means it fills with pus and may need to be drained. This is not dangerous.

It's just the body's way of fighting the infection.

Other Symptoms

Not everyone gets all of these. But here are the common ones:

The Atypical Presentation

About 10 to 15 percent of cases don't follow the typical pattern. The lymph node swelling might be in an unusual place. Or the fever might be the only symptom.

This is why doctors sometimes miss it.

In children, the most common misdiagnosis is an ear infection or a cold. The swollen node in the neck looks like a reactive node from a sore throat. If your child has a swollen neck node and a cat at home, cat scratch fever should be on the list.

When to Start Worrying

You don't need to panic over every scratch. But if you notice a swollen lymph node that appears 1 to 3 weeks after a cat scratch, it's worth a doctor's visit. If the node is larger than 2 centimeters, or if it's getting bigger, or if you have a fever that won't go away, see a doctor.

When It Gets Serious: Complications That Change the Picture

The vast majority of people with cat scratch fever recover fully without any treatment. But for a small percentage, the infection spreads beyond the lymph node. This is when things get serious.

Who Is at Risk for Complications

Complications are rare in healthy people. The CDC estimates that fewer than 1 percent of cases develop serious complications. But in immunocompromised people, the rate is much higher.

People with HIV, organ transplant recipients, and people on chemotherapy are at the highest risk.

The Main Complications

Here are the most common serious complications:

Bacillary Angiomatosis

This is the most common complication in HIV patients. It causes red, raised, and sometimes bleeding skin lesions. They look like small purple or red bumps.

If you have HIV and a cat scratch, any new skin lesion should be checked immediately.

Parinaud's Oculoglandular Syndrome

This is a specific complication that affects the eye. If the bacteria get into your eye, you can get a red, irritated eye called conjunctivitis. At the same time, the lymph node in front of your ear on the same side swells.

It's a distinctive pattern that doctors recognize.

Encephalitis

This is the most dangerous complication for children. It's an inflammation of the brain. Symptoms include severe headache, confusion, seizures, and changes in behavior.

It's rare. But it's serious. Most children recover fully, but it can take weeks or months.

Endocarditis

Bartonella is one of the causes of culture-negative endocarditis. That means the infection is on the heart valve, but standard blood cultures don't pick it up. It's a tricky diagnosis.

It requires a specific PCR test. If you have a heart murmur or a history of heart valve disease, a cat scratch should be taken more seriously.

The Bottom Line on Complications

Complications are scary. But they're rare for healthy people. If you're immunocompromised, the risk is real.

Take scratches seriously. See a doctor early. And if you have a cat and a weakened immune system, talk to your doctor about whether you should have a cat at all.

How Doctors Diagnose It (And Why It's Often Missed)

Diagnosing cat scratch fever is trickier than you'd think. The symptoms overlap with a dozen other conditions. And there's no single quick test that every doctor reaches for.

The Clinical History

The first step is always the story. Your doctor will ask about cat exposure. Have you been scratched recently?

Do you have a cat at home? Did you handle a kitten? This sounds simple.

But many people don't make the connection.

You might forget a scratch from three weeks ago. It was tiny. It healed in a day.

But that's enough. Your doctor needs to know. If your child has a swollen lymph node and there's a cat in the house, mention it before the doctor even asks.

The Physical Exam

The doctor will feel the swollen lymph node. They'll check its size, texture, and whether it's movable. A cat scratch fever node is usually tender, firm, and mobile.

It's not rock-hard or fixed to the skin. That distinction matters because a fixed, hard node can suggest cancer.

They'll also look for the inoculation papule. That small bump at the scratch site can be a big clue. If it's still visible, it helps confirm the diagnosis.

But often it's long gone by the time the node swells.

The Blood Tests

There are two main lab tests for cat scratch fever:

The serology test looks for IgG antibodies. A single positive result with a high titer is strong evidence of current or recent infection. A negative result doesn't rule it out completely.

Your body takes one to two weeks to produce detectable antibodies. If you tested too early, the test might come back negative even though you have the infection.

The PCR test is more definitive. It amplifies the bacterial DNA so it can be detected. But it requires a sample from the lymph node tissue or pus.

That means a needle aspiration or a small biopsy. Doctors don't do this routinely. They reserve it for complicated cases or when the diagnosis is unclear.

The Biopsy Option

If the lymph node is very large or if cancer is a concern, a doctor might remove it entirely. This is called an excisional biopsy. The tissue goes to a pathologist.

Under the microscope, they see a characteristic pattern. It's called granulomatous inflammation with stellate abscesses. That's a mouthful.

But it's a specific enough pattern that a good pathologist can spot it.

Why It Gets Missed

Cat scratch fever is underdiagnosed for several reasons. Doctors don't always think of it. The symptoms look like a viral infection.

The patient might not mention the cat. The antibody test isn't always ordered. And even when it is ordered, a negative result doesn't rule it out.

In our research, we found that the average time from symptom onset to diagnosis is about two to three weeks. That's a long time to wait for answers. If you suspect cat scratch fever, be direct with your doctor.

Say "I think I might have cat scratch fever. Can we test for that?" It speeds things up.

Treatment Options: What Works, What Doesn't, and When to Wait

Treatment for cat scratch fever depends on who you are and how sick you are. For a healthy person with mild symptoms, the best treatment is often no treatment at all. The body clears the infection on its own in two to four months.

The Watch-and-Wait Approach

If you're healthy and your only symptom is a swollen lymph node, many doctors will simply monitor you. They'll check the node every few weeks. If it's getting smaller, you're fine.

If it's getting bigger or more painful, they'll step in.

This approach works for about 90 percent of patients. The node shrinks over time. The fatigue lifts.

The fever goes away. It's not fast. But it's safe.

Antibiotics: When They Help

Antibiotics are not always needed. But they can shorten the course of the illness. The most commonly used antibiotic is azithromycin.

A typical course is five days. The first day is a higher dose. The next four days are a lower dose.

Here's a breakdown of the common antibiotic options:

Azithromycin is the clear winner for most cases. It's safe for children. It has few side effects.

And it works. In one study, lymph node swelling resolved in 80 percent of patients within 30 days of starting azithromycin. Without treatment, it took about 60 to 90 days.

When Antibiotics Are Absolutely Necessary

Some cases demand antibiotics. Here's the list:

• Severe lymph node swelling (larger than 5 cm or very painful)
• High fever lasting more than a week
• Disseminated disease (infection spreading to other organs)
• Immunocompromised patient
• Eye involvement
• Endocarditis
• Encephalitis

If you're in any of these categories, you need antibiotics. Your doctor will likely prescribe a combination. Doxycycline plus rifampin is a common choice for severe cases.

The course can extend to four to six weeks.

What Doesn't Work

Some people try home remedies. Warm compresses can help with pain. But they don't kill the bacteria.

Neither do essential oils, herbal supplements, or colloidal silver. These are not backed by evidence. Don't waste your time.

The Drainage Question

If the lymph node fills with pus, it might need to be drained. This is called aspiration. A doctor uses a needle to pull out the pus.

It relieves the pressure and pain. It also provides a sample for PCR testing.

Do not try to drain it yourself. That introduces infection. It can also cause scarring.

Leave it to a medical professional.

Who Needs to Be Extra Careful? (Children, Immunocompromised, and Pregnant Women)

Some groups face higher risks from cat scratch fever. The rules are different for them. Let's break it down by group.

Children

Kids are the most common patients. They play with cats. They get scratched.

And their immune systems aren't fully mature. The good news is that most children handle the infection well. The bad news is that they're more likely to get encephalitis.

Encephalitis from cat scratch fever is rare. But it happens. Symptoms include headache, confusion, seizures, and behavioral changes.

If your child has a swollen lymph node and then starts acting strangely, get medical help immediately.

Children under five are at higher risk for severe disease. Their immune systems are still developing. They can't fight off the bacteria as effectively.

If your toddler has a cat scratch and develops a fever, see a doctor.

Immunocompromised People

This group includes people with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, people on chemotherapy, people on long-term steroids, and people with autoimmune diseases on immunosuppressants.

For these individuals, cat scratch fever is not a minor illness. It can become a systemic infection. The bacteria can spread to the liver, spleen, bones, and brain.

The complication rate is high.

If you're immunocompromised and you get scratched by a cat, here's what to do:

1. Wash the scratch immediately with soap and water.
2. Apply an antiseptic like povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine.
3. Monitor the site for any redness or swelling.
4. See a doctor within 24 hours, even if you feel fine.
5. Ask about prophylactic antibiotics. Some doctors recommend them after a known scratch.

The CDC recommends that people with HIV avoid rough play with cats. They should also avoid stray cats. And they should treat any cat scratch as a potential medical event.

Pregnant Women

Pregnancy doesn't seem to increase the risk of severe cat scratch fever. But the data is limited. There's no evidence that Bartonella henselae causes birth defects.

That's reassuring.

However, the antibiotics used for treatment can be a problem. Doxycycline is not safe during pregnancy. It can affect fetal bone and tooth development.

Azithromycin is considered safe. But it's always best to avoid needing treatment in the first place.

Pregnant women should follow the same prevention steps. Wash scratches promptly. Avoid rough play with cats.

Keep fleas under control. And if you develop a swollen lymph node, tell your doctor about the cat exposure.

People with Heart Valve Disease

If you have a heart murmur or a prosthetic heart valve, you're at risk for endocarditis. Bartonella is one of the sneaky causes of culture-negative endocarditis. It can damage the heart valves. It can be fatal.

If you have heart valve disease and you get a cat scratch, be vigilant. Watch for fever, chills, night sweats, or new heart symptoms. See a doctor early.

Mention the cat scratch.

Common Mistakes People Make After a Cat Scratch

People make predictable errors with cat scratch fever. They're easy to understand. But they can lead to delayed diagnosis or unnecessary worry.

Here's what to avoid.

Mistake 1: Ignoring the Scratch

The most common mistake is doing nothing. A cat scratch looks harmless. It's a small red line.

It heals in a day or two. So you don't think about it. Then three weeks later, you have a lump in your armpit and no idea why.

The fix is simple. Every time a cat scratches you, wash the area with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic.

And make a mental note. If you develop a swollen lymph node in the next month, you'll know what to tell the doctor.

Mistake 2: Panicking Over the Swollen Node

The opposite mistake is panic. A swollen lymph node is scary. It can feel like a tumor.

People rush to the internet and convince themselves they have lymphoma.

The reality is that most swollen lymph nodes are from infections. Cat scratch fever is one of them. It's not cancer.

It's a bacterial infection. It's treatable. If you have a cat, the odds are even higher that it's cat scratch fever.

Mistake 3: Assuming the Cat Needs to Go

Some people think they need to get rid of the cat. That's not true. The cat is not a threat to you.

The cat is a carrier. The bacteria is in the cat's blood. But the cat is not sick.

And the cat is not going to reinfect you endlessly.

Once you've had cat scratch fever, you develop immunity. You won't get it again from the same cat. The cat can't give it to you again.

So keep the cat. Just practice better scratch prevention going forward.

Mistake 4: Delaying a Doctor's Visit

Some people wait too long. They hope the swollen node will go away. It might.

But it might also get worse. And if you're in a high-risk group, waiting can be dangerous.

A good rule of thumb is this: if the node is larger than 2 centimeters, or if it's been swollen for more than two weeks, or if you have a fever, see a doctor. Don't wait.

Mistake 5: Using the Wrong Antibiotic

Some antibiotics don't work against Bartonella henselae. Penicillin and amoxicillin are not effective. The bacteria is resistant to them.

If your doctor prescribes amoxicillin for a swollen node, ask about cat scratch fever. It might be the wrong drug.

The first-line antibiotics are azithromycin, doxycycline, and rifampin. Make sure your doctor knows about the cat exposure so they choose the right one.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Get Scratched or Bitten

Here's a practical guide. Follow these steps every time a cat scratches or bites you.

Step 1: Wash Immediately

Use soap and warm water. Scrub the area for at least 20 seconds. This removes the bacteria from the surface of the skin.

It's the single most effective prevention step.

Step 2: Apply Antiseptic

After washing, apply an antiseptic. Povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine are good options. Hydrogen peroxide is less effective but better than nothing.

Alcohol wipes work too.

Step 3: Cover the Wound

If the scratch broke the skin, cover it with a clean bandage. This keeps dirt and bacteria out while it heals. Change the bandage daily.

Step 4: Monitor for Three Weeks

Mark your calendar. For the next three weeks, check the scratch site and the nearest lymph node. If you see redness spreading, pus, or a lump, call your doctor.

Step 5: See a Doctor If Needed

Here's the decision guide:

• If the scratch is superficial and heals normally: no action needed.
• If the scratch is deep or bites: see a doctor for possible antibiotics.
• If a swollen lymph node appears: see a doctor within a week.
• If you have a fever over 101°F: see a doctor within 48 hours.
• If you are immunocompromised: see a doctor within 24 hours regardless.

Step 6: Test for Cat Scratch Fever

If you develop symptoms, ask for the serology test. The IgG antibody test is the standard. If the first test is negative but symptoms persist, repeat it in two weeks.

Your body may not have produced antibodies yet.

How to Tell It Apart from Other Infections (Lymphoma, Strep, Mono)

A swollen lymph node is not unique to cat scratch fever. Many conditions cause the same symptom. The challenge is telling them apart.

Here's how to distinguish the most common lookalikes.

Lymphoma

This is the one people worry about most. A swollen node can feel like cancer. But there are key differences.

The biggest clue is the cat. If you have a cat and a scratch, the odds are heavily in favor of cat scratch fever. Lymphoma is much rarer.

But if the node is hard, fixed to the skin, and painless, see a doctor for a biopsy.

Strep Throat and Other Bacterial Infections

Strep throat causes swollen lymph nodes in the neck. So does cat scratch fever if the scratch is on the face or neck. The difference is the throat.

Strep throat gives you a sore throat. You'll have trouble swallowing. Your tonsils might be red and swollen.

Cat scratch fever doesn't affect the throat. If your throat is fine but your neck node is swollen, think cat scratch.

Mononucleosis (Mono)

Mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It causes fatigue, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. It looks a lot like cat scratch fever.

But mono usually affects multiple nodes at once. You'll have swollen nodes in your neck, armpits, and groin all at the same time.

Cat scratch fever usually affects just one node. The one nearest the scratch. Mono also causes a sore throat and extreme fatigue that lasts for weeks.

Cat scratch fever fatigue is milder.

Tuberculosis

TB can cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck. It's called scrofula. It's rare in the United States but more common in other parts of the world.

The node is usually painless and can drain pus. A chest X-ray and a TB skin test can rule it out.

The Bottom Line

If you have a swollen node and a cat, suspect cat scratch fever first. If the node is tender and you had a scratch, it's almost certainly cat scratch fever. If you have no cat and no scratch, look for other causes.

Preventing It at Home: Flea Control and Safe Cat Handling

Prevention is straightforward. It comes down to two things. Keep fleas off your cat.

And avoid scratches.

Flea Control Is the Foundation

Fleas are the vector. No fleas means no Bartonella transmission between cats. It also means your cat is less likely to get infected in the first place.

Here are the most effective flea control options:

Use a vet-approved product. Over-the-counter flea treatments from grocery stores are less effective. Some can even be harmful to cats.

Always check with your veterinarian.

Indoor Cats Still Need Protection

Some people think indoor cats don't need flea control. That's a mistake. Fleas can enter your home on your clothes, on other pets, or through open windows.

Indoor cats can get fleas too. And if they get fleas, they can get Bartonella.

The CDC recommends year-round flea control for all cats. It's a small effort that prevents a lot of problems.

Safe Cat Handling

Fleas are the main prevention. But scratch prevention is also important. Here's how to reduce the risk of scratches:

• Trim your cat's claws regularly. Short claws cause less damage.
• Use soft nail caps if your cat scratches frequently.
• Don't play rough with your cat. Avoid games that encourage clawing.
• Supervise children around cats. Teach them to handle the cat gently.
• Don't disturb a sleeping or eating cat. They might scratch reflexively.
• Don't pick up a scared or angry cat. They will scratch to get away.

What About Declawing?

Declawing is a surgical amputation of the last bone in each toe. It's painful and can cause long-term behavioral problems. Many veterinarians advise against it.

The American Veterinary Medical Association opposes declawing for convenience. We agree. Use nail trimming and training instead.

Stray Cats

Avoid handling stray cats. They're more likely to carry Bartonella and other infections. If you feed a stray cat, don't touch it.

If you get scratched, wash immediately and see a doctor.

What About the Cat's Health?

Cats with Bartonella usually show no symptoms. They don't need treatment. The bacteria is in their blood, but it doesn't make them sick.

Antibiotics for the cat are not recommended. The bacteria is hard to clear from cats, and treatment doesn't reduce the risk to humans.

The exception is cats with Bartonella-related illness. Rarely, the bacteria can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, or eye inflammation in cats. If your cat seems sick, see a veterinarian.

When to See a Doctor: The Red Flag Checklist

Not every cat scratch needs a doctor visit. Most don't. But some situations require medical attention.

Here's a clear checklist.

Seek Medical Care Within 24 Hours If:

• You are immunocompromised (HIV, transplant, chemotherapy, long-term steroids)
• You have a prosthetic heart valve or known heart valve disease
• The scratch is from a stray cat (higher risk of rabies and other infections)
• The wound is deep, bleeding heavily, or shows signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus)
• You have a fever over 102°F
• You have a cat bite that breaks the skin (bites are higher risk than scratches)

Seek Medical Care Within a Week If:

• A swollen lymph node appears and is larger than 2 cm
• The node is getting bigger instead of smaller
• You have a low-grade fever that lasts more than a week
• You feel extremely fatigued and can't shake it
• The inoculation papule at the scratch site is getting larger or more painful

Seek Emergency Care If:

• You have severe headache, confusion, or seizures
• You have vision changes or eye pain
• You have chest pain or shortness of breath
• You have abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting
• The swollen node is larger than 5 cm and very painful

The "When in Doubt" Rule

If you're not sure, call your doctor's office. Describe the situation. Mention the cat.

They can tell you whether to come in. It's better to make a call than to wait and worry.

What to Tell the Doctor

When you call or visit, have this information ready:

• When the scratch happened
• Where the scratch is
• When the swollen node appeared
• Where the node is
• Whether you have a fever
• Whether you have any other symptoms
• Your medical history (especially immunocompromised status)
• Whether the cat is indoor or outdoor

This information helps the doctor make a faster diagnosis. It also helps them decide whether to test for Bartonella.

Final Takeaway: What This Means for You and Your Cat

Cat scratch fever is a common infection. It's usually mild. And it's almost always preventable.

The key points are simple.

For Healthy People

If you're healthy, you don't need to worry much. Wash scratches immediately. Monitor for swollen nodes.

See a doctor if the node appears. Treatment is usually just time. The infection clears on its own.

For Parents

Watch your children around cats. Teach them gentle handling. If they get scratched, wash the area.

If a swollen node appears, tell the doctor about the cat. Most kids recover fully. Encephalitis is rare but real.

If your child has a fever and confusion, get help fast.

For Immunocompromised People

You need to be more careful. Avoid scratches as much as possible. Keep your cat indoors.

Use flea control year-round. If you get scratched, see a doctor within 24 hours. Ask about prophylactic antibiotics.

Don't take chances.

For Cat Owners

Your cat is not a danger. The bacteria is in the cat's blood. But the cat is not sick.

And you won't get reinfected. Keep the cat. Use flea control.

Trim claws. Play gently. That's all you need to do.

The Bottom Line

Cat scratch fever is a bacterial infection from Bartonella henselae. It's spread by cat scratches and bites. It causes swollen lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue.

It's usually mild. It's rarely serious for healthy people. But it can be dangerous for immunocompromised individuals.

Prevention is easy. Wash scratches. Control fleas.

Handle cats gently. If you do get sick, the treatment is simple. See a doctor.

Get tested. Take antibiotics if needed. And wait for your body to heal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get cat scratch fever from a cat lick?

Yes, you can. The bacteria can enter through an open wound, your eyes, or your mouth. If a cat licks a fresh scratch or a cut, the bacteria can transfer.

It's less common than scratches and bites. But it happens.

How long does cat scratch fever last without treatment?

In healthy people, symptoms usually last two to four weeks. The swollen lymph node can take two to four months to fully resolve. Fatigue can linger for weeks.

Without treatment, the body clears the infection on its own in most cases.

Can you get cat scratch fever more than once?

It's rare but possible. Most people develop immunity after the first infection. The antibodies protect you from reinfection.

But if you have a weakened immune system, the protection may not be complete. Reinfection has been reported in immunocompromised patients.

Does my cat need to be treated for cat scratch fever?

No. Cats with Bartonella henselae usually show no symptoms. They don't need treatment.

Antibiotics don't clear the bacteria from cats reliably. Treating the cat doesn't reduce the risk to humans. Focus on flea control instead.

Can cat scratch fever be fatal?

It's extremely rare in healthy people. The mortality rate is less than 1 percent. Fatal cases are almost always in immunocompromised individuals.

Endocarditis and encephalitis are the most common causes of death. With prompt treatment, the outcome is usually good.

Is cat scratch fever contagious between people?

No. Cat scratch fever is not spread from person to person. You can't catch it from someone who has it.

The only way to get it is through a scratch or bite from an infected cat. You don't need to isolate yourself if you have it.