Bartonella or Cat Scratch Disease

What causes cat scratch disease and gingivitis in cats? Bartonella: a happy little bacteria that poor Aurora has had since I adopted her--her gingivitis has only gotten worse, but all her teeth are still in her mouth. A run of antibiotics should clear her by the time we retest her for it in 6 months. Poor kitty. Bartonella causes cat scratch disease in people--that weird swollen thing that some people get after a nasty scratch from a cat. Good thing: once you get it and are cured, you are immune.

While kitty was home play petri dish, I went out to enjoy the glorious day. I spent the morning in Barnes and Noble reading and studying my Japanese. Arisu wa namae desu. Hajimemashite. Doozo yoroshiku. Thank god I can still read hiragana and katana! Then, I strolled through the Asian-American Heritage Festival at Union Square, got a couple CDs at Virgin Records (Matt Nathanson and Teitur), wandered to Mavi Jeans, and then headed home to hit the gym and play with sweet kitty. What a gorgeous and spectacular day. I love the spring.