Cat Scratch Disease is caused by the flea-carried bacterium Bartonella henselae and is spread when an infected cat bites, licks, or scratches a person. Animals most likely to spread the infection are kittens and cats younger than one year of age. At some point in their life, nearly half of all cats will become infected with the bacteria. 

How Can I Tell If a Cat is Infected?
It is difficult to tell a healthy cat from an infected one because most cats carrying the disease never exhibit any sign of illness. However, chronic inflammatory conditions such as stomatitis, gingivitis, or inflammatory bowel disease may be a signal that the animal has the disease.

Prevention Against Cat Scratch Disease for Humans
The number of diagnosed cases of Cat Scratch Disease runs the highest in the months of September through January. Those infected may suffer for several weeks from enlarged and tender lymph nodes, and often undergo lymph node biopsies to check for lymphoma, which has no connection to cat scratch disease. 

These preventive steps should be routinely followed when there is contact with animals:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water, especially if the contact resulted in a bite or scratch.
• Young children and people with weakened immune systems should avoid contact with kittens or cats less than one year of age.
• Avoid playing roughly with your animal to lessen the chance of scratches or bites.
• Do not allow a cat to lick an open wound.
• Do not pet or touch a feral or stray cat.
• Keep cat nails trimmed.

Prevention Against the Infection of Cats
The Bartonella infection can develop in a cat’s mouth, eyes, urinary system, and—in severe cases—can cause inflammation of the heart. Cats that do not receive a recommended flea control regimen run a high risk of infection, but cats that live in warm, humid climates (where the living conditions are the best for fleas) run the highest risk of infection.

These preventative steps should be followed to protect your cat:

• Apply flea products as directed by a veterinarian.
• Groom your cat regularly, checking for fleas by using a flea comb.
• Vacuum frequently. Keeping the home environment clean will control flea infestations.
• Schedule routine health check-ups.
• Keeping your cat indoors will decrease flea contact and avoid contact with infected cats.

There is a very good chance that cats that live with people who are diagnosed with Cat Scratch Disease will also be infected. The best way to avoid an infection of Cat Scratch Fever is to keep your cat flea-free!