Cat Scratch Fever

Two weeks ago I got a surprise... but not the good kind.

I was at my aunt's house painting, and she happens to have a black cat who she affectionately calls black kitty. I had known it wasn't entirely lovey, but while I was painting I had given it a couple pats on the head while it sat in its usual spot on top of the fridge. Thus the deception began.

Later on, before we left I went outside to go see their horse. It happily munched on the dandelions in my hand, when ol' black kitty trotted over to me. She rubbed up against my leg like cats do, so I reached down and gave it a few more pets. When I straightened back up there was a second's pause...

And then it did this...

out of nowhere. There is more scratching on the other side, these pictures are fairly tame.

The thing jumped up and latched on my arm, gnawing away, and then bolted all in about half a second. I didn't have any time to react. So I just headed inside to clean it up.

We thought we had it all under control, washed and covered. The next day I knew that wasn't the case. I could barely lift my arm; at work I looked like I had a broken arm with no cast, and the pain.... I haven't felt that much pain before. I would shake and get nauseous from it. Drugs weren't helping. I left work early and called off the next day (something I've never done before).

It was the bites that did me in. After the puncture wounds started to turn pink and swell we went to Urgent Care, and the NP there said something I would hear repeated at least another dozen times.

"Oh, cat bites are the worst. You don't ever want to be bit by a cat."

Really? How come I've never known this? They're like the least likely common animal to be able to kill you. This one gave a very good shot at it with me.

Urgent Care was not enough, the infection had spread from wrist to elbow, so we reluctantly headed for the ER where I received my first IV.

ITSN 3/25

Granted, I really wasn't aiming to try an IV out, but firsts are firsts.

So after it all, I ended up with a tetanus shot, an antibiotic shot, an antibiotic IV, three oral antibiotics and an antibiotic cream for the wounds. And the day after the ER visit the infection had spread further.


Beware cats, my friends.

It just took time for the meds to kick in, and slowly the red and swelling began to disappear. Now its almost as if it never happened.

And you know what? I was never upset about the situation. Sure it was painful, and certainly costly, and took time away from me. But I don't begrudge it. I don't hate that cat, or my aunt. I don't regret the whole ordeal, I just.... experienced it that's all. I figure, there are people in the world who are dealt loved ones dying, cancer diagnoses, homes destroyed, reputations lost, limbs lost, lives lost.

A cat bite? That's not so bad. ...Does that mean I'm growing up?

Besides... its a good story.