We love our moggies to bits, but there are a few health hazards to be aware of when it comes to our feline friends.
Firstly, a cat bite, puncture or scratch can cause the dreaded cat scratch disease, and up to 40% of domestic cats in Australia carry the bartonella henselae that causes the disease.*
Cats get infected with the bacteria from flea bites and flea dirt and then can pass the bacteria on to humans, with symptoms in humans including red streaks, fatigue, fever, headache and swollen glands.
Secondly, a scratch or bite can also trigger a bleeding vein.
And there have even been rare reports of DVT thought to be caused by a cat scratch (dubbed “cat thrombosis”).*
Thirdly, if you experience a cat bite or scratch it’s important to wash the wound and always get prompt medical attention, because bleeding veins can also cause issues too, and the older you are, and the more underlying vein issues you have, the more likely your veins will bleed.
Veins can bleed profusely not just from a cat or dog scratch but often just a knock from a table or the dishwasher. And dilated vessels in a hot shower can also trigger a vein bleed.
“Patients commonly report they can’t believe how much even a spider vein bled with a seemingly minor knock,” says Phlebologist Dr David Huber, From the Art of Vein Care Wollongong, Gregory Hills and Orange.
“So any bleeding veins is a good argument for prompt medical attention.”
If you are concerned about any vein symptoms including aching legs, itchy leg veins, leg ulcers or restless legs please email us today for a consult at www.theartofveincare.com.au
Article Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/cat-scratch.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6692098/ cat thrombosis case study, Cureus Journal of Medical Science
https://www.centerforvein.com/blog/bleeding-varicose-vein
*All procedures have risks, all results are individual, speak to your doctor about your vein concerns.