Bartonellosis in Cats: Understanding Cat Scratch Fever
Bartonellosis, commonly known as “cat scratch fever,” is an infection caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae. This disease can affect both cats and humans, with transmission primarily occurring through flea bites among cats and through scratches or bites from infected cats to humans.
While Bartonellosis is relatively uncommon, it is important for cat owners to be aware of the condition to recognise symptoms early and take preventative measures to protect both their pets and themselves.
In this guide, you will learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Bartonellosis in cats and humans.
How Do Cats Catch Bartonellosis?
Cats typically contract Bartonellosis through exposure to infected flea bites. Fleas that carry the bacterium deposit bacteria in their faeces, which cats ingest while grooming, leading to infection. Fleas play a central role in spreading the disease between cats.
Transmission between cats can also occur through scratches with infected claws or contact with infected saliva through open wounds. Though ticks can rarely transmit the disease, the primary vector remains fleas.
Humans contract Bartonellosis mainly through scratches or bites from an infected cat, especially kittens or feral cats. Importantly, humans cannot contract the infection directly from flea faeces.
Symptoms of Bartonellosis in Cats and Humans
Many cats infected with Bartonella henselae show no symptoms, making it difficult to identify. When symptoms do appear in cats, they may include:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever or lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Signs of flea or tick infestation
In humans, symptoms generally develop within 7 to 14 days after exposure but can take longer. Common symptoms include:
- Swollen lymph nodes near the scratch or bite site
- Blisters or bumps at the scratch or bite
- Fever and chills
- Muscle pain and general fatigue
- Stomach cramps, nausea
- Localised swelling or infection at the injury site
Although Bartonellosis is typically mild and self-limiting in healthy individuals, it can cause serious complications in those with compromised immune systems.
Diagnosing Bartonellosis
Diagnosis primarily relies on history of cat scratches or bites combined with clinical signs. Veterinary or medical professionals may run blood tests or attempt to culture the bacterium from blood or lymph node samples.
However, diagnosis in both cats and humans can be challenging as many tests return inconclusive results. Accurate identification may require specialised laboratory techniques.
Treatment of Bartonellosis in Cats and Humans
Most cats with Bartonellosis do not require treatment and recover naturally. For symptomatic cats, treatment may include antibiotics and flea control to eliminate reinfection.
For humans, treatment involves thorough cleaning of wounds, sometimes draining swollen lymph nodes, and prescribing antibiotics in severe or prolonged cases. Rest and symptom management are important for recovery.
Preventing Bartonellosis
Preventing Bartonellosis mainly involves controlling fleas on your cat. Regular use of veterinary-approved flea and tick treatments is essential to reduce infection risk.
If your cat or you sustain scratches or bites, promptly clean and disinfect the wound. Vigilance for developing symptoms is important, especially if you or your cat have a weakened immune system.
Avoid letting immunocompromised individuals have close contact with stray or unknown cats to reduce the risk of transmission.
Being responsible for your cat’s flea control and taking care with cat interactions helps keep your household safe from Bartonellosis.
What is Bartonellosis (Cat Scratch Fever)?
Quick Answer: Bartonellosis is an infection caused by Bartonella henselae, transmitted among cats by fleas and to humans by cat scratches or bites.
It is commonly known as cat scratch fever and presents as mild to moderate illness in humans, with many cats remaining asymptomatic carriers. Awareness and flea control are the best prevention approaches.
Can Humans Catch Cat Scratch Fever from Cats?
Quick Answer: Yes, humans can catch cat scratch fever from cats, especially through scratches or bites.
The bacterium Bartonella henselae is zoonotic, meaning it can transfer from cats to humans. While direct flea faeces contact does not cause infection in people, cat scratches contaminated with flea faeces or saliva can lead to symptoms. People with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe complications.
