A leading neurologist has issued an urgent warning over the little-known risks of cat scratches after a teenage girl was left unable to walk.
Dr Baibing Chen, from the University of Michigan, shared the warning on TikTok, stating that cats can harbour dangerous bacteria that could pose a serious threat to owners.
In the video, which has been viewed over 124,000 times, he urged his followers to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any unusual symptoms after being scratched, bitten or even licked by a cat.
Speaking about the one thing he would ‘never ignore’, Dr Chen said: ‘I once saw a teenage patient who developed sudden confusion, severe headaches and trouble walking.’
The patient also presented with extreme fatigue and coordination issues, which her parents described as unusual.
The clinical instructor added: ‘We also noticed a decrease in her vision in one eye. Further investigation showed it was inflammation of the optic nerve and the retina which explained her vision loss.’
But doctors could not come up with a diagnosis that could explain her symptoms after ruling out the ‘usual suspects’ including stroke, meningitis and autoimmune disease—all of which can cause neurological disturbances.
‘It wasn’t until we noticed a few scratches on her arm that we asked about any recent injuries or exposures and that’s when her mother mentioned they had recently adopted a kitten.
Dr Chen said the one thing he does not ignore as a neurologist is symptoms after a seemingly harmless cat scratch
Cat scratch disease is a bacteria infection passed on to humans through a scratch that is contaminated with flea feces
‘This detail was key leading to the confirmation of bartonella henselae infection—the bacteria that causes cat scratch disease.’
The disease can spread to humans through a scratch contaminated with flea feces—most commonly from kittens.
Infected cats can also spread the bacteria by licking a person’s open wound.
Cat scratch disease most commonly affects children under the age of 15 who are less likely to wash their hands after interacting with their pet cat.
It’s estimated that there are approximately 12.5 million pet cats in the UK, with nearly 30 per cent of British households having at least one cat.
In the US, 37 per cent of households have at least one cat. Figures estimate the US’ total cat population stands at 73.8 million.
Dr Chen said: ‘Most people with this infection experience mild symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, fever and fatigue, but in rare cases this condition can affect the nervous system and eyes.’
Rarely, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this can develop into infections of the liver, spleen, brain, bones and even heart—a condition known as endocarditis.
Health officials revealed in June this year that grandmother Yvonne Ford, 59, contracted rabies following contact with a stray dog while on holiday abroad
Whilst most scratches do not result in CSD, Dr Chen said it’s best to stay vigilant and keep scratch wounds clean and keep an eye out for tell-tale symptoms including a fever, swollen lymph nodes and a pustule near the scratch.
These more extreme reactions tend to occur in people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, elderly people or those with HIV.
However, the risk of infection can be minimised through keeping cats indoors and away from stray cats who are more likely to carry diseases.
But, he said this does not mean you should stay away from your cat.
‘This case is a reminder that something as seemingly harmless as a playful scratch can in rare cases lead to serious health issues.
‘The key here is awareness. If a scratch, bite or lick is followed by unusual symptoms like persistent headaches, vision changes or confusion sharing the detail with your doctor can make all the difference.’
The warning comes as Britain was rocked by fresh rabies fears back in June, after a woman died after catching the virus on holiday in Morocco.
Health officials revealed that the grandmother, Yvonne Ford, 59, contracted the illness following contact with a stray dog.
There have been less than 10 cases of human rabies associated with animal exposures abroad reported in the UK since 2000.
However, the UKHSA stressed there was ‘no risk to the wider public’ given there is ‘no documented evidence of rabies passing between people’.
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