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Cats on prowl!

What's more, most of the cats involved in the bites are mostly pet cats, while the dogs were mainly stray dogs
01:36 AM Jan 28, 2025 IST | ZEHRU NISSA
cats on prowl
Cats on prowl!
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Srinagar, Jan 27: In a startling revelation, the Anti-Rabies Clinic (ARC) at SMHS Hospital has reported a disturbing trend in animal bites in Kashmir.

According to the clinic's records, 2024 saw a staggering 5,883 dog bite cases, but what's equally alarming is that cat bites were not far behind, with 4,736 reported cases. In 2023, as per records of ARC, cat bites formed a little over 20 percent of all bite cases reported. In 2024, this rose to 44 percent of all item cases. The rising cases of cat bites is elucidated better by the fact that in 2018, cat bites constituted only 8 percent of the total bite cases reported at the clinic.

The data highlights a concerning issue, as cat bites can be just as dangerous as dog bites, with risks of rabies, infections, and other health complications. What's more, most of the cats involved in the bites are mostly pet cats, while the dogs were mainly stray dogs.

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"We're seeing a growing number of cat bites, and it's a concern because people often underestimate the risks associated with cat bites," said Prof S Salim Khan, HoD Social and Preventive Medicine, GMC Srinagar.

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Many doctors treating pets in Srinagar said Kashmir has witnessed a significant surge in pet ownership of cats in recent years. This trend can be attributed to various factors, including the need for mental health support and companionship, compounded during COVID19. Additionally, a cultural shift has led to pets being considered as part of the family, offering emotional support. The proliferation of pet shops and businesses has also made pets more accessible to the people, particularly young generation. Some doctors feel pet ownership has more to do with Social media trends, where people create and post content using their pets. “Pet reels are more liked, and some people just fall for it,” a senior veterinarian said.

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