Cat-scratch disease (also commonly known as cat-scratch fever) is a
bacterial infection that causes swelling and pain in the lymph nodes and loss
of appetite. In most cases, it occurs after a scratch, bite, or lick from a cat
or kitten.
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe, may not appear for several
days after the bite or scratch, and may last for several weeks.
Although cat-scratch disease usually goes away without treatment,
antibiotics are often used to speed recovery.