If a cat scratches you, and it causes you to bleed, make sure to go to the clinic immediately or watch out for cat-scratch disease (CSD) symptoms!
Photo via Getty Images
Cat bites and scratches can spread a bacterial infection called the cat-scratch disease (CSD) caused by the bacteria Bartonella hanselae.
According to webPOISONCONTROL, cats can become infected with the B. hanselae from flea bites and flea droppings entering their wounds. Kittens less than a year old are more likely to have the B. hanselae infections compared to adult cats.
The disease spreads when an infected cat bites or scratches hard enough to break the skin or when it licks a person’s open wound.
Symptoms of CSD usually occur 3-10 days after the skin is broken as a mild infection at the area where the cat scratches or bite you. The infected area can appear swollen and red, and might even have some pus discharge.
The infected person could also experience fever, headache, poor appetite and fatigue.
CSD is not serious and medical treatment might not even be necessary, however, in some cases, someone with a weaker immune system would need treatment and antibiotics to recover.
Photo via Wide Open Pets
As cuddly and cute as it looks, cats have the potential to cause illnesses in humans due to their bites and scratches. Even a healthy-appearing cat can give you CSD.
If you’re feeling unwell or feverish after a cat scratch or bite, go and see your doctor!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
