{"id":1026,"date":"2020-03-14T14:08:11","date_gmt":"2020-03-14T18:08:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beverlyhillsvets.com\/blog\/?p=1026"},"modified":"2020-03-14T14:08:11","modified_gmt":"2020-03-14T18:08:11","slug":"cat-scratch-fever-myth-or-not","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beverlyhillsvets.com\/blog\/cat-scratch-fever-myth-or-not\/","title":{"rendered":"Cat Scratch Fever: Myth or Not? \ufeff"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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While the term cat scratch fever may evoke images of Ted Nugent (c’mon, we know you sang it!), it\u2019s an actual condition that can have some pretty serious implications for people! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cat Scratch Fever is just as much a real disease as it is a late 70s rock icon, and while Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates<\/a> can\u2019t help with the radio version, we can help keep your family safe from the zoonotic disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Science Behind Cat Scratch Fever<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cat Scratch Fever, more properly termed Cat-Scratch Disease (CSD)<\/a>, is a bacterial infection. It is considered a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be transmitted between animals and people. 
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The infection itself is caused by a bacterium known as Bartonella henselae,<\/em> which is carried by about 40% of cats at some time in their lives. These cats likely have no signs of illness and most are kittens less than a year of age.
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Cats become infected with Bartonella<\/em> through flea bites and flea dirt.<\/a> Flea dirt especially can build up at the base of the nails and teeth, aiding in transmission of disease. 
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CSD is transmitted to people through breaks in the skin, either when a cat licks an open wound or bites or scratches enough to break the skin. If the Bartonella<\/em> organism is present, it can enter through this break in the skin barrier and cause trouble.
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Symptoms of CSD in people can include:
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