Cat scratch disease is a disease caused by Bartonella henselae.The majority of sufferers of CSD have been bitten by a cat.If you have a weak immune system the disease can be serious.
Step 1: Do you know if you are at risk?
Some people are more likely to get CSD.Organ transplant patients, infants and young children, and pregnant women are more likely to get diseases from animals.People with a weak immune system, such as people with HIV, should be extra careful about getting CSD.
Step 2: After handling your cat, wash your hands.
After playing with your cat, wash your hands with soap and water.Cats might hurt you if you play with them too rough.If your cat bites you, wash the wound with soap and water.You should go to the doctor if you start to feel unwell after getting a scratch or bite.
Step 3: If you think you might have CSD, go to the doctor.
If your doctor suspects you have cat scratch disease, they might run tests on you.If you have an illness at the site of a scratch or bite, you might have CSD.CSD is usually not serious and does not require treatment.If you have a weak immune system, you might be given an antibiotic.CSD becomes more serious if you are immunocompromised.Swelling around the cat bite or scratch is one of the physical symptoms.Other symptoms include headaches.Rarely, it causes vision problems.
Step 4: Older cats are more likely to be adopted.
Cats that are over one year old can be adopted instead of kittens.Young cats and kittens are more likely to scratch and carry CSD.This is important if you have a weak immune system.Older cats are not as demanding as kittens, so you will have many years with your senior cat.
Step 5: Don't let your cats lick your wounds.
This is a way that your cat can spread CSD.If you see your cat licking something, stop them.To prevent your cat from licking your wounds, cover them with bandages.If your cat licks your wound, make sure to wash it with soap and water.
Step 6: Stray cats should not be touched or petted.
The cat is more likely to have CSD if they don't have an owner who takes care of them.You don't know how a cat will react if you touch them.They could give you CSD if you try to pet an unknown cat.
Step 7: You should keep your environment clean.
CSD can be prevented by keeping your house clean and free of fleas.It's a good idea to vacuum your carpets.If you want to give them an extra clean, use a carpet cleaner.If your carpets are particularly dirty, you can have them professionally cleaned.You should clean the carpets and floors when you move into a house or apartment.You should shake and punch out your pillows before you vacuum.It is possible to kill fleas by washing your bedding.
Step 8: Your cat should be protected from fleas.
The risk of CSD in cats is due to the fleas that carry the bacterium that causes it.Your cat can get CSD if they bite or leave flea dirt on it.The flea product should be applied to your cat once a month.There are flee products that are harmful to cats, so make sure the flee medicine is approved by your vet.Fleas can be found with a flea comb.Flea dirt can be removed by bathing your cat.Purchase a self-releasing collar for your cat.
Step 9: Cut your cat's nails.
Your cat's claws should be trimmed every few weeks.It is important to keep your cat's nails short because you can get CSD from biting or scratching you.An alternative to declawing is nail-trimming.Special nail clippers can be used to cut their claws.Use the crook of your arm to restrain your cat.Press down on the joint behind the claw to cut the nail.If you cut the pink part of the nail, your cat will bleed.Put pressure on the wound.If your cat is upset, don't continue.You don't have to do everything at once.
Step 10: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups.
CSD can cause inflammation of the heart on rare occasions, which can make your cat very sick.To make sure your cat doesn't have flees, it's important to go to the vet regularly.If your cat becomes sick or hurt, you should go to the vet at least once a year.
Step 11: Don't let your cat outside.
If you have a weak immune system, you should keep your cat indoors.Cats can get CSD if they fight with other cats.bacteria can be spread if another cat scratches your cat.CSD can be caused by outdoor cats picking up flees.