As Bartonella henselae germs has been found in fleas, there is a strong view that cat get infected from fleas and carry this germs. Though this is not confirmed but most of the experts believe in this theory.

Kitten mouth carries these germs and is transferred to the claws during normal preening. As kitten grew older it's disappear from their mouth but it remains in their claw. Bartonella henselae is also supposed to be transferred during flea faeces below the claws of cats.

Latest treatments now make it possible to have cats with less or no fleas. Physician do recommend these flea treatment for poor immune system (chemotherapy, HIV infection) patient if they are in contact with cats.

Fleas carry Bartonella henselae germs but it's not proven that fleas can directly transfer these germs to humans. So far there is no evidence that a bite from an infected flea can infect humans. Once a cat is infected, the bacteria live in the animal's saliva. Cat does not get sick from Bartonella henselae and it can carry these germs for months

Almost half of all cats have a Bartonella henselae infection at some time in their lives, and kitten are more likely to get infected from it. Cats that carry Bartonella henselae do not show any signs of illness; therefore, you cannot tell which cats can spread the disease to you.