Fleas are the main way cats acquire Bartonella henselae, but many infected cats never look ill. If your cat has a persistent fever or other concerning signs, contact a veterinarian; don’t try to diagnose or medicate Bartonella at home. CDC advises against routine testing or antibiotics for healthy cats and recommends treatment only for pets with clinical symptoms.
Can a cat have Bartonella without symptoms?
Yes. Many cats carry B. henselae without showing signs of illness. CDC’s veterinary guidance reports bacteremia in 30–40% of domestic and adopted shelter cats; that figure is the guidance’s cited estimate, not a current prevalence survey for every region or an individual cat. Reported prevalence varies geographically, with higher seropositivity in the Southeast, Hawaii, coastal California, and the Pacific Northwest. Kittens and cats younger than two years are more likely to be infected than older cats.
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Infection and illness are not the same thing. Bacteremia can persist for months, and signs may emerge when a cat is stressed by surgery, trauma, or another illness.
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How do cats get Bartonella?
Bartonella henselae is a bacterium carried by fleas. Cats most commonly become infected through the bite of an infected flea. Flea feces can also contain the bacteria and may introduce it into a wound. Less commonly, cats may acquire infection during fights with infected cats or through feline blood transfusions. The bacterium occurs in cats worldwide, including cats that appear healthy.
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What are the symptoms of Bartonella in cats?
Most infected cats have no clinical signs. When illness occurs, fever may be brief and resolve on its own, often within two to three days. Less common signs include:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Red eyes
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Decreased appetite
These signs have many possible causes and cannot confirm Bartonella. CDC advises veterinary assessment for kittens and cats with signs such as fever lasting more than three days, vomiting, lethargy, red eyes, swollen lymph nodes, or reduced appetite. Contact your veterinarian for guidance rather than using this list to diagnose your cat.
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- Kills and repels fleas and ticks for 7 months. Can be worn simultaneously with your cat's regular collar
- Water-resistant design won't cause loss of effectiveness if your favorite feline takes a stroll in the rain
- Features a breakaway, safety release snap
- For use on adult cats and kittens 12 weeks of age and older
How is Bartonella diagnosed in cats?
For a cat with clinical signs, a veterinarian may use culture or molecular testing, including PCR, on blood or affected tissue. Depending on the case, relevant tissue could include a lymph node or, in particular circumstances, a heart valve. The veterinarian chooses whether and which tests are appropriate based on the cat’s signs and medical history.
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Does my cat need antibiotics?
CDC’s veterinary guidance states: “Antibiotic treatment is recommended only for pets that have clinical symptoms.” A veterinarian should assess a symptomatic cat and decide whether treatment is appropriate. CDC does not recommend routine testing or treatment for a healthy cat, and owners should not give antibiotics without veterinary direction.
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How can I reduce the risk of infection?
Make flea control the priority
Ask your veterinarian to recommend flea-prevention products suitable for your cat. Keep cats indoors where possible to reduce exposure to fleas and contact with feral cats. Never use a product containing permethrin on a cat; follow veterinary advice and the product label for any flea-control product.
A flea comb can help you inspect a cat’s coat, but combing has not been established as a way to prevent Bartonella and does not replace veterinarian-recommended flea control.
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Use sensible precautions around scratches and bites
CDC advises avoiding scratches, bites, and licks from cats, especially kittens and stray cats; washing hands after handling cats; and promptly cleaning scratches with soap and water. People with weakened immune systems have a greater risk of severe disease, but CDC says they can still own cats and do not need to test or treat a healthy cat for B. henselae.
Cat Bartonella and human cat-scratch disease are different clinical concerns
“Cat-scratch disease” is the name for human illness caused by B. henselae, not the name of a typical disease syndrome in cats. People may become infected when a scratch is contaminated with infected flea feces; bites and licks to an open wound are also possible routes. Human diagnosis and treatment advice should not be used to decide how to treat a cat. CDC says most human cases resolve without antibiotics; severe or atypical illness and illness in people with weakened immune systems should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
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