It's almost impossible not to play with a kitten, but a scratch from one could lead to trouble.
According to Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Iass El Lakkis of The Medical Center in Bowling Green, Cat Scratch Fever is usually mild but, in rare cases, can lead to hospitalization for eye problems, disorientation or liver infection. "Mostly patients will have skin swelling, small bumps or redness, usually three to ten days after they're exposed," he said.
More often than not, though, Cat Scratch Fever is treated with simple antibiotics and lingers for about three to four weeks.
Dr. El Lakkis says the illness is passed to humans from kittens, or more precisely, the fleas they carry. Kittens haven't formed a strong immune system yet so they can't fight it off. Mature cats rarely carry the disease.
The kittens themselves aren't affected.
Cases are common in south-central Kentucky and tend to rise during the summer months as cats and kittens go outside more and kids are home more to play with them.
The best way to avoid getting Cat Scratch Fever, Dr. El Lakkis says, is to not play with kittens too roughly and to treat kittens and cats with anti-flea medications as often as needed.
