Cat Scratch Disease: Symptoms & Signs

Cat scratch disease is also known as catscratch disease, cat scratch fever, or subacute regional lymphadenitis. Most patients have a history of exposure to cats, and the disease begins with a reddish brown nodule (small bump) on the skin at the site of infection. There is typically no pain or tenderness. Over the next weeks, swollen lymph nodes develop that may be accompanied by tenderness. About half of patients have other symptoms like fever, malaise, joint pains, loss of appetite, fatigue, headache, and sore throat. Other less common symptoms that have been reported include rash, weight loss, seizures, mental status changes, numbness and tingling of the extremities, and irritation of the eyes.

Causes of cat scratch disease

Cat scratch disease occurs due to bacterial infection of the lymph nodes with bacteria known as Bartonella henselae. It is often caused by a bite or scratch from a cat that carries the bacteria. Cats who carry B. henselae do not show any signs of illness.

Other cat scratch disease symptoms and signs

• Enlarged Lymph Nodes
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Irritation of the Eyes
• Joint Pains
• Loss of Appetite
• Malaise
• Mental Status Changes
• Numbness of Extremities
• Rash
• Seizures
• Skin Bump
• Sore Throat
• Tender Lymph Nodes
• Tingling of Extremities
• Weight Loss

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