You can potentially contract the disease if saliva from an infected cat enters an open wound or comes into contact with the whites of your eyes. You can catch the sickness through a flea or a tick that has the bacteria. You cannot contract cat scratch sickness from another person. A human cannot become sick from touching a cat or being scratched by it. The most common symptom is fever, but some people may also have chills, cough, sore throat, or muscle pain. If you are scratching yourself because of itching, there is no way to tell whether or not you have the virus. It can take up to 12 months after being exposed to the virus before developing symptoms. People who live with cats are at risk of getting cat scratch fever because they are likely to come in contact with the bacteria that cause the infection. To avoid getting sick, keep pets away from your face and wash your hands after being around them. Cat scratch fever is rare but can be serious. Avoid exposing yourself to cat urine or faeces by keeping pets indoors and using dog doors or screens to let them out when needed. If you do develop symptoms, see your doctor immediately. They include fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, coughing, sore throat, muscle pain, and feeling poorly refreshed even after sleeping. Do not wait until after feeling ill to go to a hospital.