Cat Scratch Fever

Hey, Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew is cranking up Cat Scratch Fever by Ted Nugent, that wild, riff-heavy anthem from his 1977 album of the same name! This track’s got a story that’s as raw as its guitar licks. Ted stumbled across the phrase "cat scratch fever" in a medical journal back in 1975, sparking the idea for the song. While the real disease is a rare infection from a cat scratch, Ted flipped it into a lusty metaphor for desire, with lyrics like “I make the pussy purr with the stroke of my hand.” He’s been upfront about its meaning, once saying it’s simply “about pussy,” capturing his unapologetic, in-your-face style. The song’s signature riff, a three-tone blues scale melody harmonized in parallel fourths, helped it claw its way to #30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned it the #32 spot on VH1’s best hard rock songs in 2009.

Here’s a juicy tidbit: Ted took lead vocals on this track, a shift from his earlier albums where Derek St. Holmes handled most of the singing. After St. Holmes left post-album, Ted embraced the spotlight, realizing belting out his own tunes gave him total command of the stage. The song’s also had its share of covers—Pantera tackled it for the Detroit Rock City soundtrack, hitting #40 on the Mainstream Rock chart, but Ted wasn’t impressed, calling it “exceedingly white” with “no soul, no balls.” Later, he softened, even mourning Pantera’s Dimebag Darrell. The track’s popped up everywhere, from The Simpsons to Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties, sometimes just for its feline vibe, despite its steamy undertones. Ted’s songwriting process? He keeps a notebook of titles and ideas, but the guitar comes first—often riffing in his dressing room or home studio after a morning in the woods.

Now, let’s rewind to how the Motor City Madman got his start. Born Theodore Anthony Nugent on December 13, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, Ted’s been a guitar-slinging force for over four decades. His first taste of fame came in the 1960s as the lead guitarist for The Amboy Dukes, a psychedelic rock band that scored a hit with “Journey to the Center of Your Mind.” That early acid-rock vibe, with quirky tracks like “Why Is a Carrot More Orange Than an Orange,” showed Ted’s wild creativity. By the 1970s, he went solo, trading psych for hard rock and building a rep for blistering guitar work and over-the-top live shows—think loincloths and raw energy. His 1975 self-titled debut, followed by Free-for-All and Cat Scratch Fever, cemented him as a rock icon, with albums selling millions.

Want to keep up with Ted? Check out his official site at tednugent.com, where you can grab tickets for his 2025 tour celebrating 50 years of “Stranglehold.” He’s active on socials, too—follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he’s got over 650,000 followers and isn’t shy about sharing his views. For fans, there’s no shortage of places to connect. Dive into fan sites like Ted Nugent’s official fan page or join discussions on Facebook groups like the Ted Nugent Fan Club, where Zoo Freaks can geek out over his music and legacy. So, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep the fever burning!