my boyfriend and i took in a stray and he desperately needs a bath. he is flea infested and can't stop scratching long enough to eat a meal. is cat scratch fever real? do we need to worry about getting a disease from this cat? should we just let the vet do it instead of us?
2006-07-22 11:06:04 · 12 answers · asked by Jessica B 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
yes cat scratch fever is very real. CSD as it is now know is caused by Bartonella henselae bacteria. I would highly recommend that a vet, or experienced cat owner examine the cat for some of the basic diseases that are zootropic (transmitable to humans). It is also the most humane thing to do if the cat is suffering from diseases. Thanks for taking in a stray, have it spayed or nuetered immediatly and i wish you the best of luck!
2006-07-22 11:12:51 · answer #1 · answered by thomas g 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cat scratch fever (bartonellosis) is, indeed, a disease that people can get from cats. The cat must, however, be infected with the bacteria to give it to humans through a scratch or bite from a kitten (usually) or a cat. I have treated thousands of cats and kittens and been scratched and bitten by many . . . I've never been infected. Not to say that your kitten doesn't have the bacteria, but I would definitely get some Advantage or FrontLine to put on it before the fleas make the little fella so anemic that he might die. You might elect to use Revolution, since this will also get ear mites which might also be a source of this kitten's itchy misery :^).
A visit to the vet is definitely in order but not because of the possibility of cat scratch disease. They will be able to give the appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and flea/ear mite meds that will help this kitty get off to a good start :^)
Good luck!
2006-07-22 18:55:48 · answer #2 · answered by agilecollie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, cat scratch fever is real...however very rare. I worked in a pet hospital for 12 years and NEVER heard of ANY cases of it. A bite from a cat is much more likely to get infected. If you feel uncomfortable bathing the cat...take it to a vet and let them do it. This way the kitten can also get it's vaccinations and a check-up to make sure he is healthy.
2006-07-22 18:15:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cat Scratch Fever is real, keep in mind that it is pretty rare and preventable.
Wash the scratches with soap and water. Really scrub so that it bleeds a little more. Blood cleans the scratches too.
2006-07-22 18:16:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cat scratch is very rare, some times found in infants. It's the bacteria on the cats feet that cause the problem when they sctatch. Take it to the vet, and have the vet show you how to trim its claws also. It takes me about 2 minutes to trim my 2 cats.
2006-07-22 18:21:42 · answer #5 · answered by Who am I? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh boy. Don't try giving a cat a bath. Take him to a vet and tell the vet that the cat is feral.
Flea collars work. Your cat probably will need one after its vet visit.
2006-07-22 18:25:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You just infested your house with parasites. Get rid of the Cat and defume your house and make sure you get the poison to kill eggs or you will have an infestation...this is not a joke.
never take in stray Cats lessonnumber one to learn!
2006-07-22 18:15:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, my friends cat, which she had for many years, scratched her once, she got cat fever. She got really sick and if her mom didn't get her to the hospital in time, she could have died. I suggest if your going to keep the cat, take it to the vet.
2006-07-22 18:09:46 · answer #8 · answered by Linds 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The vet is the best place for that cat. They can give it a flea bath and make sure it's healthy.
2006-07-22 18:34:28 · answer #9 · answered by Molly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I don't know about those darn cat scrathes, but I'm pretty sure a cat scratCh might get infected
2006-07-22 18:11:50 · answer #10 · answered by Shantel C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋