Cat Bite Diseases
A cat has small sharp teeth, so when it bites the puncture wound can be quite deep. There are some infections a person may get as a result of bacteria commonly found in a cat's mouth, like pasteurella. Then there are other diseases that come from a cat being infected by other pests, such as fleas.
Pasteurella
Several types of pasteurella species can exist in a cat's mouth. A familiar one is Pasteurella multocida. Deep wounds made by cat bites make it easier for the bacterium to spread. Initial symptoms, like swelling, turn up within a day. The resulting complications can be localized, such as swellings near the wound and bone infections. The bacterium may spread to other parts of the body such as the respiratory system and cause infections, like pneumonia. Antibiotics are usually used to treat this.
Cat Scratch Disease (CSD)
CSD (sometimes known as "cat scratch fever") was originally thought to be caused by Rochalimae bacterium. Now the source of the disease has been identified as Bartonella bacterium. The signs of infection appear about two or three weeks after the bite. Some symptoms include fever, bumps, fatigue, headaches and lymph node swellings. For most people, the infection goes away on its own without treatment; however, those with weak immune systems should be treated with antibiotics. Wounds can be washed immediately with an antiseptic wash. The best way to avoid this disease is to avoid cat bites and scratches altogether.
Rabies
Rabies is transferred to humans through an infected cat bite. The virus attacks the nervous system and eventually leads to death. Initial symptoms include: headache, fever and fatigue. When the disease develops further, you may suffer from confusion, anxiety and insomnia. Sometimes, by the time symptoms appear, it is already too late. If you are bitten by any suspected animal, the wound must be attended to immediately. Rinsing the bitten area might help reduce the chances of infection, and going to a health professional for testing and treatment is necessary.
Fracisella Tularensis
Other names for the disease are rabbit fever or O'Hara disease. The virus infects other small wild animals like moles. Cats may get the disease through ticks and fleas sucking their blood. In cats, the symptoms include apathy, depression and loss of appetite. Humans experience stiffness in joints, loss of weight, fever and headaches, to name a few. Antibiotics are used to treat this disease.
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