Cat-Scratch Disease: Symptoms, Prevention & First Aid Awareness for Canadians

Cat-scratch disease (sometimes called cat-scratch fever) is an infection caused by bacteria found in the saliva of cats. Cats can carry the bacteria without appearing sick, and researchers believe fleas play a role in how cats become infected. Most healthy people recover well, but the illness can be more serious for individuals with weakened immune systems.

First Aid & Workplace Relevance

Cats are common pets in Canada, and scratches or bites can occur in homes, animal shelters, veterinary clinics, grooming facilities, and community workplaces. Awareness helps people recognize when symptoms may be related to infection and when to seek medical advice, especially for individuals who are immunocompromised.

Realistic Scenario

During an animal-assisted activity day at a community centre, a cat became startled and scratched a participant’s hand. A trained first aid rescuer calmly washed the scratch with clean water, encouraged them to keep the area clean, and reminded them to monitor for signs of infection. Over the next few days, the participant noticed mild swelling and sought a medical assessment for reassurance. Staff later reviewed handling procedures to keep both people and animals comfortable.

Symptoms of Cat-Scratch Disease

Symptoms often appear 3–10 days after a scratch or bite and can vary in intensity.

Commonly reported symptoms include:

A blister or sore at the scratch or bite site
Slow healing of the scratch or blister
Swollen or tender lymph nodes near the affected area
Low-grade fever

Some individuals also report:

Fatigue
Headache
Joint or muscle discomfort
Abdominal discomfort (less common)

The illness is typically mild in healthy individuals but may be more complex in those with weakened immune systems.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It is reasonable to contact a healthcare professional if:

A cat bite or scratch does not heal or worsens over several days
Redness continues to expand
Fever develops or persists
Lymph nodes remain swollen or painful for weeks
Fatigue, abdominal pain, or joint/bone discomfort lasts several weeks
The person affected is immunocompromised

Causes & Risk Factors

Cat-scratch disease is caused by bacteria transferred through:

Scratches from contaminated paws
Bites involving cat saliva
Touching the eyes after contact with contaminated fur or paws

Many people who develop symptoms do not recall a visible bite or scratch.

People at higher risk of complications include those undergoing cancer treatments, people with AIDS, and those living with certain chronic conditions such as diabetes.

First Aid Awareness & General Management

Public first aid guidance emphasizes:

Gently washing cat scratches or bites with clean water
Keeping the area clean and monitoring for signs of infection
Seeking medical assessment if symptoms progress or persist

Most cases resolve on their own. Healthcare professionals may recommend further evaluation or treatments if symptoms are prolonged, involve organs, or cause concern.

Prevention & Everyday Safety Tips

To reduce risk:

Handle cats calmly and avoid rough play
Use caution when interacting with stray or stressed animals
Wash hands after contact with cats
Support flea control for household pets through veterinary guidance
Encourage supervised interactions between children and cats

People do not need to give up their pets; simple precautions and awareness are often effective.

FAQ

Is cat-scratch disease common?
It is not rare, especially among people who frequently handle cats. Most cases are mild.

Can indoor cats carry the bacteria?
Yes. Cats may carry the bacteria without appearing sick. Fleas may play a role in transmission among cats.

Can humans spread cat-scratch disease to each other?
Person-to-person spread is not expected. The bacteria are typically transferred from cats.

Do all scratches become infected?
No. Many cat scratches heal without infection. Monitoring helps identify when symptoms may need medical advice.

Should immunocompromised individuals avoid cats?
Not necessarily, but additional caution and communication with healthcare providers may be advised.

Educational Note

This content supports awareness of pet-related infections, first aid considerations, and when to seek medical attention. It encourages safe, informed interactions with animals.