Let’s face it—cats are adorable little weirdos. They purr, they nap in sunbeams, and they somehow always know when you’re about to sit down so they can steal your chair. But even the sweetest fluffball can leave behind a scratch now and then. While most are no big deal, some may need more than just a quick rinse and a curse under your breath.
According to veterinarians, it’s rare, but sometimes those scratches can pass along serious infections—especially one called cat scratch disease (CSD), caused by Bartonella henselae, a bacterium that cats often pick up from fleas.
When to Worry About a Scratch
Dr. Barbara Bawer from Ohio State University says that most cat scratches are “benign except for the sting and the scratch itself,” but things get trickier if the wound gets infected. If you notice swelling, redness, raised bumps, or pus, or if you start feeling crummy with symptoms like fever, nausea, or sore lymph nodes, it could be CSD.
“CSD is most commonly seen in children and young adults,” said Dr. Tom Waters, an emergency medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic. “It typically manifests as redness and bumps at the scratch site, along with the hallmark of swollen lymph nodes near the scratch site.”
The sneaky part? Cats don’t get sick from CSD themselves. And while any cat can carry it, stray cats and playful kittens are more likely culprits due to their higher chance of flea exposure—and their enthusiastic pawing.
It’s Not Just Scratches
Scratches aren’t the only danger. Cats can also transmit CSD by licking open wounds or through bites. And while extremely rare, in some cases scratches can be linked to even bigger health scares, like rabies or the plague. (Yes, that plague.)
In Oregon earlier this year, a human case of the bubonic plague was linked to a house cat. Health officials said the pet likely caught it from a flea or infected rodent. Don’t panic though—plague cases are incredibly rare (averaging seven per year in the U.S.) and usually treatable, according to the CDC.
What To Do If You’re Scratched
Got clawed? Don’t panic. Start by cleaning the wound with soap and water, then apply an antibiotic ointment. Watch the area over the next few days. If it becomes increasingly red, swollen, or painful, or if you develop a fever have a headache or loss of appetite it is recommended to see a doctor.
According to the CDC, most people recover from CSD with minimal treatment, though antibiotics may be prescribed. Those with weakened immune systems or children between ages five and 14 are at greater risk for complications, so extra caution is advised. However, CSD rarely affects the brain, eyes, heart or internal organs.
How to Prevent Cat Scratch Fever
Keep Fluffy flea-free with regular treatments, and try to avoid over-cuddling when your cat’s not in the mood. Respect their space, especially with unfamiliar or feral cats. And remember—trimming your cat’s nails is a win-win. Less damage for you, and fewer stuck claws for them.
After all, cats may be cute, but even the most adorable murder mittens need regular maintenance.
