Generally, if no unusual symptoms appear within one to three months after being scratched by a cat, it's safe to assume you are okay. There are two main illnesses you could potentially contract from a cat scratch: cat scratch disease and rabies. Cat scratch disease typically manifests as skin redness, swollen lymph nodes, while rabies can present with symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, and agitation. Immediate medical attention should be sought if any of these symptoms arise.
Early Signs of Illness After a Cat Scratch
1. Cat Scratch Disease
Cat scratch disease is caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae, which is found in cats' blood. Infection occurs when the bacteria enters a wound. Local symptoms include redness, papules, and swollen lymph nodes near the scratch site. Systemic symptoms may include fever, loss of appetite, and fatigue.
Cat scratch disease is often self-limiting, and many cases will resolve on their own with proper wound care. However, if symptoms are severe, it is recommended to seek medical treatment such as antibiotics to prevent further complications.
2. Rabies
If a cat carries the rabies virus, a scratch could potentially transmit the disease, especially if the wound is not promptly treated. In the early stages, rabies has a dormant incubation period with minimal to no symptoms. As the disease progresses, the prodromal stage begins with mild fever, fatigue, headache, and nausea. These are followed by severe symptoms such as agitation, hydrophobia (fear of water), and seizures, which are all indicative of rabies.
Rabies is a serious and life-threatening disease. It is critical to seek post-exposure prophylaxis, which includes rabies vaccination, if you have been scratched by a cat to help prevent infection.