Doctors usually diagnose cat scratch disease based on a child's history of exposure to a cat or kitten and a physical examination. During the exam, the doctor will look for signs of a cat scratch or bite and swollen lymph nodes. In some cases, doctors use laboratory tests to help make the diagnosis, including:

• skin tests, blood tests, and cultures to rule out other causes of swollen lymph nodes
• a blood test that is positive for cat scratch disease
• a microscopic examination of a removed lymph node that shows signs of cat scratch disease

Most cases of cat scratch disease resolve without any treatment. Rarely, a swollen lymph node becomes so large and painful that the doctor may recommend removing fluid from the node with a needle and syringe.

Antibiotics sometimes are used to treat the disease. If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics, give them to your child on schedule and for as many days as prescribed.

Kids with cat scratch disease don't need to be isolated from other family members. Bed rest is not necessary, but can help if a child tires easily. If your child feels like playing, encourage quiet play while being careful to avoid injuring swollen lymph nodes. To ease sore nodes, try warm, moist compresses or give your child nonprescription medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

When to Call the Doctor

Call the doctor whenever your child has swollen or painful lymph nodes in any area of the body. And always call your doctor if a child is bitten by an animal, especially if:

• the bite or scratch was from a cat and the wound does not seem to be healing
• an area of redness around the wound keeps expanding for several days
• the child develops a fever that lasts for a few days after receiving the scratch or bite

If your child has already been diagnosed with cat scratch disease, call the doctor if your child has a high fever, lots of pain in a lymph node, seems very sick, or develops new symptoms.