I love my Cat I bought from a shelter 3 months ago. BUT, I was accidently scratched and I was treated for Cat Scratch fever. Now it happened again 2 days ago-by accident. I don't want to get rid of her-my 1st Cat. She is happy and healthy here! If I declaw her will that prevent it or am I just allergic to her? Thanks for any info!
2007-02-23 02:45:33 · 8 answers · asked by doe j 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Cat scratch fever is caused by a bacteria. Cat saliva is the culprit..not the claws. It can be passed onto a person via claws because cats lick their claws. Avoid rough play that might cause scratching and if you do get scratched, quickly wash the area with antibacterial soap. Chances are that you built up an immunity and may not even get it again. Ask your vet if there is a way to treat the bacteria in the cat.
2007-02-23 02:52:37 · answer #1 · answered by KathyS 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Were you actually tested for Cat Scratch Fever or just treated for it because you showed some symptoms? Have your cat tested for Bartonella. This is the bacteria that causes Cat Scratch Fever in humans. If your cat is infected it lives in their blood stream and is seen more in kittens than adult cats. Your vet will be able to give you medication for her. This disease for humans is easily treated and in most cases resolves on its own. It is more serious for children or immunocompromised people. As for declawing your cat this is always an option or there's also Soft Paws or Soft Claws which are plastic coverings for their claws.
It's also possible you just had an allergic reaction to the scratch. In most cases a cat scratch will cause reddness and some puffiness around the scratch. This will usually go away on its own in a few days. Just make sure you clean the area and put on a triple antibiotic ointment and keep it covered with a band-aid.
2007-02-23 11:11:29 · answer #2 · answered by dolfingrrl928 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like dolfingrrl928's answers, but I wanted to add that one of the common problems with declawing is that declawed cats often turn into biters. There's lots of bacteria in their saliva so you may actually end up with worse trouble!
Try clipping her nails, it's not hard to do and it'll prevent you from getting scratched as easily. If that doesn't help get the SoftPaws. Please don't declaw; it's outlawed where I live and in many other countries, and for good reason, it's very cruel and may just turn your happy kitty into a scaridy cat!
2007-02-25 17:31:38 · answer #3 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While there are many, many bleeding heart folk out there that would suggest that declawing a cat is cruel, .... I would suggest that, if you want to keep your furniture, your arms and legs free from cat scratches you'll need to have it declawed.
It is just like any human operation. The cat is put under anesthetics and goes to sleep. The operation is performed and the cat is placed in a safe, comfortable cage to recover.
The minor aches and pains of healing paws lasts a few days (perhaps a week) and then it will be running around the house just fine.
If you are letting the cat outdoors at all, you may want to rethink declawing. They are great tools for an outdoor life.
Kev
2007-02-23 14:14:37 · answer #4 · answered by Hobgoblin Kev 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Declawing isn't a nice thing to do to a cat. It removed the first joint of the pay, it is painful for the animal, and an illegal practice in most places outside of the USA.
Your best bet is trim the cats claw regularly and keep the littler box clean. work on training the cat to not use her claws. If all else fails you can buy little rubber tips that you fit over the claws.
2007-02-23 10:52:37 · answer #5 · answered by smedrik 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i don't think that you should get rid of her. that would be like giving up but i do think it would be best if you got her declawed. you also might want to get tested for allergies just to make sure you don't have to get rid of your 1st cat for health reasons. but i do think getting her declawed would be the best step, cat scratch fever twice is a bit much. if she scratches someone else and they get it they could sue you or something
2007-02-23 10:57:10 · answer #6 · answered by Diia J 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Cat scratch fever is not an allergy. But declawing will damage her very much, it is like cutting off her fingers. Plus, if you declaw her, she is very likely to start biting, which is much worse, and stop using the litterbox and do her business outside, because it is no fun digging without fingers. So, visit http://www.softpaws.com
they sell easy to use and cheap claw caps, which will solve the problem without damaging the cat.
2007-02-23 10:53:35 · answer #7 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Dude like you REALLY need to declaw your cat or get rid of it.... personally i think you should... GET RID OF IT!!!!!!!
2007-02-23 10:53:54 · answer #8 · answered by Mia 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋