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.

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.

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.

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.

Lymph nodes may remain swollen and painful for more than 2 to 3 months.

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.

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.

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.