𝐂𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐢𝐫 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲

Srinagar, June 01: Kashmir Valley has seen a sharp rise in cat bite cases, with over 6,000 incidents reported between June 2024 and May 2025 — more than double the 2,874 cases recorded during the same period the previous year, according to data from the Anti-Rabies Clinic at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar.

Monthly data shows consistently high numbers, peaking in January 2025 with 692 reported cases. Other notable figures include 658 cases in February, 542 in March, and 537 in May. Medical professionals attribute the spike to a growing trend of pet ownership, particularly cats, and warn that neglect of hygiene, vaccinations, and preventive care is contributing to the increase.

Health experts caution that cats, like dogs, can transmit rabies and other zoonotic infections such as toxoplasmosis, which can have serious consequences, especially for pregnant women. Many pet owners reportedly fail to vaccinate or deworm their pets, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

Dr. Syed Altaf Geelani, Superintendent of the Central Veterinary Centre in Srinagar, noted that nearly 80% of animals treated at the facility are cats, highlighting their growing popularity. He stressed the importance of regular vaccinations, hygiene, and responsible pet ownership.

Rabies remains a major public health concern globally, with around 59,000 deaths annually — most of them in Asia and Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies rabies as one of the deadliest yet preventable viral diseases.

Doctors urge residents to treat cat bites seriously, seek prompt medical care, and follow appropriate pet care practices to ensure both human and animal safety.