Cat Bite Cases Surge Past 6,000 in Srinagar, Officials Link Rise to Growing Pet Ownership
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD)In a startling revelation, the Anti-Rabies Clinic (ARC) at SMHS Hospital Srinagar has recorded 6,095 cat bite cases between June 2024 and May 2025 — a sharp rise that health officials attribute to increasing pet ownership and post-pandemic behavioural shifts.
According to officials at the ARC, the number of feline bite cases has shown a steady upward trend over the past few years. While dog bites remain more common, cat-related exposures are now being seen as a significant public health concern.
“There has been a visible rise in cat ownership in urban and semi-urban areas, especially since the Covid-19 lockdowns,” said a senior physician at SMHS Hospital. “People brought pets home for emotional comfort, but many are unaware of the risks associated with improper handling and lack of pet vaccination.”
Experts at the ARC emphasised that cats, like dogs, are potential carriers of the rabies virus, particularly if unvaccinated or if they come into contact with infected stray animals.
“It’s a misconception that rabies is transmitted only through dog bites,” said a senior doctor at ARC. “Cat bites and scratches can also transmit the virus. Every year, we treat thousands of such cases. Unfortunately, many people delay medical attention, which can be dangerous.”
The clinic has been advocating for responsible pet ownership, urging cat owners to ensure routine rabies vaccinations and to seek immediate medical care after any animal bite or scratch — whether from a pet or a stray.
“We appeal to the public not to ignore even minor scratches from cats. Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but it is completely preventable with timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP),” the senior doctor added.
The sharp rise has prompted health authorities to consider public awareness drives, especially in schools and residential neighbourhoods, about the risks of rabies and the importance of animal vaccination.
As the region grapples with growing concerns about zoonotic diseases, medical experts are calling for improved pet regulations, stronger vaccination drives, and a robust strategy to manage both stray and domestic animal populations(DD)