Serious Symptoms Of Cat Scratch Disease

Sore Throat

The symptoms for cat scratch disease can be very similar to those of a regular cough or cold. Many individuals who have been infected with this disease often mistakenly believe they have a cough because a lot of the onset of symptoms mirror those of the common cold. However, cat scratch disease is much more serious than a sore throat and can lead to more threatening symptoms such as encephalitis and endocarditis. Encephalitis is swelling of the brain, while endocarditis is inflammation of the lining of the heart. Both of these conditions are lethal and are extremely difficult to cure.

Weight Loss

Rapid weight loss is not unusual in those infected with cat scratch disease. This is because of the fact this infection causes severe fatigue and loss of appetite. The poor appetite can generally be caused by the fever and headache that normally accompany cat scratch disease.

Felines do not usually show any symptoms when infected with cat scratch disease. However, it is estimated forty percent of cats are infected with the disease yet remain asymptomatic. Felines become infected with cat scratch disease through flea bites, or from being bitten or scratched by other cats who are also infected.