need advice for Bartonella(cat-scratch disease)

We are just smitten with our newly taken in feral kitten LuckyGirl...but after her vet check she came back positive for Bartonella. I am a nervous wreck over it. I was crying on the phone with the vet. He said not to worry, give her some meds and hopefully it'll go away... but after research it says only 84% get cured of this disease. And I have a daughter and other children in our family, we can't take the risk of one of them getting seriously sick (my nephew has medical problems). She has already playfully scratched me, not drawing blood, while playing with her toys... and the strange thing is, she doesn't have any fleas. Or even evidence of fleas, like bite marks, or scratch marks or anything. So I'm guessing she got it from another feral kitty. Does anyone have any words of comfort? Something to put me at ease? She has had such a hard little life already for only 8mos old. She is still very under weight, despite her eating like a horse, she was born with a birth defect, and was a barely more than a skeleton when we found her. She is so thankful and greatful for being saved, and I couldn't bare to have to give her up. Has anyone else had to deal with this scary disease? Does anyone have any words of wisdom? Any comfort is greatly appreciated...

Thanks, Heather adopted mommy of LuckyGirl

PS...how does everyone get the pics of their kitty's below their profile name??

Did your vet mention that you can use nail caps called "Soft Paws"? http://www.softpaws.com/ Many members here use them with no trouble whatsoever.
One of our members made up some easy-to-follow instructions on posting a signature: http://www.rosehawke.com/how_to/ There is also a forum dealling with signatures.
http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/for...aysprune=&f=47

Originally Posted by jcat

Did your vet mention that you can use nail caps called "Soft Paws"? http://www.softpaws.com/ Many members here use them with no trouble whatsoever.

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That is such a great idea, Tricia! I read LuckyGirl's post and didn't have any advice. I'm so glad you did!!!

It's my understanding that a lot of cats are infected with Bartonella, and that it's not much of a problem unless a person's immune system is compromised, e.g., by HIV. This link offers some advice: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/bartonella.html
Hopefully some other members will be able to offer you advice once they see the thread.

Thanks for the suggestions! I have been doing my research on Soft paws..and DEFINATELY will be investing in them. The only thing is that she is still a little wild, and although I am trying to touch her paws regularly to get her used to me touching them she will only let me for 2-3 seconds without spazzing out. And now with her anti-biotics she's even more leary with me (of course hubby doesn't do any of that, he doesn't wanna be the bad guy!). I have an 8 yr old daughter that likes to play with Lucky but sometimes they play a little rough. No one gets hurt but I'm afraid. And my nephew (1yr) gets sick all the time, I usually have him 1-2x per week. Fortunately she is not really a scratcher, she only claws my "wipe your feet" bristly mat at the front door. But I still worry. And how cute is your little kitty icon?!?! It looks just like my LuckyGirl, minus the tail of course! She has a bunny rabbit's tail!!! Thanks for the help. I will keep reading up on it...and keep thinking positive thoughts!

How long is your nephew at your house? If he's only there for a few hours, you could put Lucky in her own room with some food, toys and litterbox. I'm sure she'd be ok; she'd get used to this.

PS... Does anyone know about Bartonella & licking?!?! I know it's transmitted through scratching and can be carried via saliva...transmitted through a bite... but what about licking?! LuckyGirl is a really good groomer (she musta had a good biological mommy!) and she loves to "groom" me & my husband... and to be honest we love it more than she does. Her little sandpaper tongue is just so cute! (we're nuts I know...) It is possible for us to get it this way?! I mean she's not licking open wounds or anything...