CSD was first described as a clinical syndrome in 1931, but it was not until 1983 that a bacterial etiology was determined, and in 1992, the specific cause of CSD was identified. CSD is a feline associated zoonotic disease, with an estimated annual incidence in the United States of 22,000 cases. Although CSD occurs in persons of all ages, the highest age-specific incidence is among children aged under 10 years.

Over the years, the cause of CSD had remained elusive, although bacteria were commonly suspected to be the culprit. In 1988, a bacterium called Afipia felis was cultured from the lymph nodes of patients with CSD. In recent years, many studies have implicated the gram negative bacterium Bartonella henselae as the primary (but not the sole) cause of CSD. B. henselae is related to the agent of Trench Fever, B. quintana, a disease common in the trenches of World War I. Other Bartonella species may also be involved in CSD.

The first description in the literature of Cat Scratch Diseases credited to Henri Parinaud in 1889. Writing in the French literature, he described a case of conjunctival glaucomatous inflammation with ipsilateral preauricular adenopathy, a syndrome which now bears his name.

In 1931 Dr. Robert Debre described a case of a boy with a cat scratch on his hand associated with a suppurative epitrochlear lymph node. He is credited with recognizing the cat as the vector of this illness and coined the term "cat scratch disease". Foshay noticed similar cases in the United States and independently named the condition "cat fever". A series of 160 cases was reported by Daniels in 1954, stimulating interest in cat scratch disease in this country. A skin test was developed by Hanger and Rose in 1946.

Cat scratch disease is primarily a disease of children and young adults. It is classically described as a "sub acute regional lymphadenitis", and occurs worldwide with no racial or sex predilection. Although this disorder is strongly associated with cats, other animals have also been implicated. Reports may be found of transmission by dogs, rabbits, and monkeys. A few anecdotal cases have also been described involving transmission by porcupine quills and fish bones.

The cat is the healthy vector of this illness, and displays no signs of illness. Transmission occurs by scratching, biting, or possibly even licking. Kittens seem to be particularly common as vectors. Most authors agree that there is little risk to other family members and that it is not necessary to get rid of the cat.

The usual infection with cat scratch is self-limited and no specific treatment is necessary. Spontaneous resolution is expected in 2-3 months. Reports may be found in the literature concerning the effectiveness of various antibiotics including gentamicin, ciprofloxacin (not to be used in children), and Bactrim; however their use is not widely accepted. Aspiration may be helpful for those cases in which suppuration occurs. Incision and drainage carries the reported risk of sinus tract formation and formal node excision may be preferable.