Beware the Scratch

(HealthDayNews) -- Playing with Tabby can be fun. But a playful cat can accidentally scratch you. Usually, that's no problem. But, once in a while, bacteria in your kitty's saliva can cause cat-scratch disease.

The American Academy of Family Physicians says the illness can cause lymph nodes to swell and become painful. If you notice such symptoms within 10 days of being scratched, consult your doctor. Sometimes, swollen lymph nodes need to be drained and antibiotics are often prescribed.