PET PEEVES

How pets can affect your health

This week: Cat scratch disease. THIS is caused by an organism called Bartonella henselae, which is thought to be transmitted to cats from fleas.

It’s a blood and saliva-borne bacteria, and according to one UK study is present in around one in ten cats. When they groom themselves, they spread the bug to their claws from their saliva.

The tiniest scratch can then allow it to enter the human body. In most cases it causes swelling in the lymph nodes in the armpits or neck, which can last several months and can turn into a painful abscess. In about 2 per cent of cases the bug damages the central nervous system, causing delirium, headaches, seizures and depression lasting days or weeks before clearing up without treatment.

HOW TO BEAT IT: Avoid rough play that encourages kittens or cats to bite or scratch. If it does happen, wash the affected area with warm, soapy water.