Bartonellosis (cat scratch disease)
Zoonotic
Bartonellosis in cats is caused chiefly by Bartonella henselae, a bacterium transmitted between cats by fleas. Most infected cats carry the organism in their blood without obvious illness but serve as the reservoir for cat scratch disease in humans. Occasionally cats develop fever, lymph node enlargement, or inflammatory disease. The main significance is zoonotic, especially for immunocompromised people.
Quick facts
- Type:
- Infectious
- Typical onset:
- Chronic
- Body systems:
- Hemolymphatic, Cardiovascular, Multisystemic
- Affected species:
- CAT, DOG
- Reference codes:
- ICD11 1C11.Z
Sources & references
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Describes Bartonella henselae infection in cats, flea transmission, the carrier state, and cat scratch disease in people.
- Cornell University CVM — Reviews feline bartonellosis, its mostly subclinical course in cats, and zoonotic significance.
- ICD-11
This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your veterinarian.