How Much Do You Know About Cat Scratch Disease?
Cats make wonderful pets. That's why there are millions of pet cats in the
U.S. But cats can sometimes cause an illness called cat scratch disease. Find out
more
about this illness by taking this true-false quiz.
1. You will get cat scratch disease (CSD) if a cat or kitten scratches you.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Most cat scratches don't lead to cat scratch disease. If you are scratched, the best
thing to do is to clean the scratch with soap and water. Get checked by your healthcare
provider if you develop a fever, an infection at the site of the scratch, or enlarged,
tender lymph nodes 1 to 3 weeks after being scratched. You usually will not need
to take antibiotic medicine. But your provider may recommend it to help reduce swelling
in your lymph nodes.
2. CSD is an allergic reaction to touching a cat.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
CSD is caused by bacteria. These bacteria enter the body through a scratch by an infected
cat. The bacteria are found most often in cats, particularly in kittens. The disease
is not passed from one person to another.
3. A cat that is infected with the CSD bacteria is lethargic and weak.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
A cat that is infected with the CSD bacteria does not appear ill. Nearly half of all
cats may have the bacteria at some point in their lives. Cats infected with the bacteria
eventually rid themselves of the infection. You do not need to put an infected cat
to sleep.
4. Fever is the main symptom of CSD.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Swollen lymph nodes near the site of the scratch are the main symptom. You may also
have a low-grade fever. Other possible symptoms include tiredness (fatigue), headache,
and loss of appetite. In severe cases, seizures may occur. Typically, a blister or
bump appears at the site of the scratch 3 to 10 days after the scratch. Lymph nodes
usually begin to swell and become tender within 2 weeks after the cat scratch.
5. CSD symptoms last about a week.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Lymph nodes may remain swollen and painful for more than 2 to 3 months.
6. You should not keep a cat as a pet if you have a weakened immune system.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
It's safe to have a cat as a pet even if you have a weakened immune system. You might
have a weakened immune system if you have a long-term (chronic) condition such as
HIV or are being treated for cancer. The CDC recommends taking these steps:
- Keep the cat indoors.
- Don't play roughly with the cat so you won't get scratched.
- Treat the cat for any fleas using a product suggested by your veterinarian.
- Get regular checkups and recommended vaccines.
If you get a cat, choose an animal at least a year old and in good health. Young cats
are more likely to carry the bacteria than older cats. The cat should be up to date
on its vaccines and free of fleas. You don't need to get the cat tested for cat
scratch bacteria. Stay away from stray cats, because you won't know their health
history.
7. Antibiotics are the main treatment for CSD.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Antibiotics are only useful in severe cases of CSD. In all other cases, the infection
will go away on its own, without treatment. Talk with your child's healthcare provider
for suggestions on how to ease the symptoms of CSD. Once your child has recovered
from CSD, he or she will most likely have developed a lifelong immunity to it.
8. One way to avoid CSD if your family wants a cat is to get an adult cat instead
of a kitten.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Adult cats are much less likely to harbor the CSD bacteria than are kittens. Also
choose a cat that has been well cared for rather than adopt a stray cat. A stray cat
may be more likely to bite or scratch while playing with you and your family.
Your score was: