In recent times, the conversation around animal bites in Kashmir valley has largely centred on stray dogs. However, a quieter yet deeply concerning trend has emerged: an alarming increase in cat bite incidents. Data from the Anti-Rabies Clinic (ARC) at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar reveals that more than 6,000 cat bite cases have been reported in the past year alone. This figure marks a steep rise from the 2,824 cases recorded in the previous 12 months, indicating a doubling of incidents within just one year. Month-by-month statistics show that the clinic has been dealing with a steady stream of patients seeking treatment for cat-related exposures. The highest number was recorded in January 2025, with 692 cases, followed closely by February and December. Such sustained numbers challenge common assumptions that cats, often considered docile and clean pets, pose a lesser health threat than other animals. Medical experts at ARC SMHS stress that cats are fully capable of transmitting rabies, just like dogs. The virus, universally fatal if untreated, continues to claim thousands of lives globally, most of them in Asia and Africa. In Kashmir, rising pet ownership in urban and semi-urban households has paralleled the spike in cat bites. While cats have become popular companions in many homes, the obligations that come with keeping a pet are frequently overlooked. This includes timely vaccinations, regular deworming, and veterinary checkups. The surge in cases reflects both an increase in the number of cats and a widespread neglect of pet care standards. Many cat owners fail to vaccinate their animals annually. Without preventive measures, a single bite or scratch can pose real danger. Even beyond rabies, cats can transmit infections such as toxoplasmosis, which carries special risks for vulnerable groups like pregnant women. In most cases, proper hygiene and responsible pet care can reduce these risks substantially, but awareness remains limited. The post-COVID period has seen a clear rise in people seeking emotional comfort through pet companionship. However, this shift has not been matched by an equal rise in pet health awareness. Authorities point out that bringing home an animal without understanding its behavioural and medical needs leads to risks not only for the pet but also for the family and broader community. Clinics like ARC now report that nearly half of the cases they receive are related to cat exposures, a startling statistic that reflects broader behavioural patterns and gaps in public education. While the imagery of a snarling stray dog may dominate public fears about animal bites, the numbers now suggest that domestic cats—often roaming freely and unvaccinated—are a growing threat. It’s a public health issue unfolding quietly, but its consequences could be severe if left unaddressed in the future. Health officials are urging pet owners to treat the matter seriously and follow basic animal care practices to prevent the spread of diseases. The responsibility lies with those who choose to keep animals yet fail to provide the care and attention necessary for their well-being and public safety.
Pet Neglect
