I just got a call from Cocoa's vet, she tested positive for the Bartonella Henselae virus (cat scratch fever). I'm not overly worried, she never uses her claws at all, she' very polite, but we will put her on the recommended course of antibiotics he recommends. Not so much for our sake, but just in case for anyone else that may come in contact with her. I know the virus tends to be rather mild on the grand scale of things and easily treated but I'd hate to be responsible for someone possibly getting ill from her. I have some concerns about the effectiveness of the treatment after reading up on it, but there is no other option that I'm aware of.
However, my understanding is that the source of the virus is from fleas. I know at one point she had them, she was found on the street, and then fostered. However, the foster family worm and flea treated her (with professional products) before I adopted her, and she had no fleas when she arrived to our home a month ago (confirmed by the vet). I've been grooming her regularly since she's long haired and have not found any evidence of them either.
Do I need to worry about fleas at this point? Our other cat has never had them, we've never had to deal with that before. Casper is totally indoors for several years (since we got him) and Cocoa has been since November.
Thanks.
Laurie
However, my understanding is that the source of the virus is from fleas. I know at one point she had them, she was found on the street, and then fostered. However, the foster family worm and flea treated her (with professional products) before I adopted her, and she had no fleas when she arrived to our home a month ago (confirmed by the vet). I've been grooming her regularly since she's long haired and have not found any evidence of them either.
Do I need to worry about fleas at this point? Our other cat has never had them, we've never had to deal with that before. Casper is totally indoors for several years (since we got him) and Cocoa has been since November.
Thanks.
Laurie
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