cat scratch
A "cat scratch" can refer to both the physical mark left by a cat's claws and a disease transmitted through such scratches.
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Definition
B2Health
(medical)An infection caused by bacteria, transmitted through a scratch or bite from a cat, often resulting in swollen lymph nodes and flu-like symptoms.
Example
- After the kitten scratched him, he developed symptoms of cat scratch disease.
B1Behavior
(informal)The natural action of a cat using its claws to mark territory, relieve stress, or maintain nail health.
Example
- The cat scratch on the furniture was a sign of its territorial behavior.
A2General
(informal)A small wound or abrasion on the skin caused by the claws of a cat.
Example
- She had a cat scratch on her arm after playing with her pet.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "cat scratch":
cat squirrelcat aroundcat meatcat treecat pisscat's tonguegreat catscratch an itchscratch outcome to the scratchdead catcat's meowhouse catblack catscratch one's own itchbig cat