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Cat Scratch Disease
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Cat Scratch Disease

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is an illness caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae, typically transmitted through the scratch or bite of an infected cat.

Overview

Almost half of all cats carry the Bartonella henselae bacterium at some point. While the infection does not make the cats themselves sick, it can cause symptoms in humans who have been scratched or bitten by an infected animal.

Symptoms

If you contract CSD, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Swollen lymph nodes, particularly around the head, neck, and upper limbs
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Poor appetite

Prevention and Management

For individuals with weak immune systems, CSD can lead to more serious health problems. To minimize your risk:

  • Avoid rough play with cats that could lead to bites or scratches.
  • If you are scratched or bitten, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
  • If the wound becomes infected or you develop symptoms of CSD, contact your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seek medical care promptly if the wound becomes increasingly red, warm, or painful, if you develop a fever above 101 °F (38.3 °C), if lymph nodes enlarge rapidly, if you feel unusually fatigued, or if you notice any eye redness, vision changes, or neurologic symptoms such as severe headache or confusion.
Incubation is typically 5 to 14 days, but some people notice swollen lymph nodes or a low‑grade fever as early as 3 days or as late as 4 weeks after the injury.
Most healthy adults improve without antibiotics, but clinicians often prescribe azithromycin for 5 days because it shortens lymph node swelling by about a week. Doxycycline or rifampin are alternatives for patients who cannot take macrolides or for more severe cases.
In the majority of cases the infection resolves completely with no lasting effects. Rarely, people develop chronic lymph node enlargement, liver or spleen lesions, or neuro‑ophthalmic complications that may need specialist follow‑up. Recurrence is uncommon unless the person is re‑exposed to a new infected scratch or bite.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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