1. It is estimated that there are around 400,000 cat bites reported annually in the United States of America.
2. Cat bites to the hand can be dangerous, as 1 in 3 patients with such wounds required hospitalization.
3. The majority of cat bites, specifically 89.4%, were provoked. Females, at 57.5%, and adults, at 68.3%, were more likely to be victims compared to males or children.
4. Between 20 and 80 percent of cat bites and scratches have the potential to become infected.
5. According to data from the United States, cat bites account for 5-15% of all animal bites sustained by humans.
6. Around 66% of individuals who have experienced cat bites are between the ages of 20 and 35.
7. Approximately 66% of cat bites occur on the upper extremities, specifically the arms and hands.
8. There are over 66,000 visits to hospital emergency departments every year as a result of cat bites.
9. In 2021, cats made up approximately six percent of rabies diagnoses in the United States.
10. A study has shown that 77% of cat owners reported their cats attempting to bite or scratch them during medication administration.
Approximately 400,000 cat bites are reported annually in the United States of America.
Cat bites can be a serious problem, particularly for individuals who are dealing with infection or other complications. Cat bites make up the second most common type of animal bite in the United States, behind only dog bites. While some cats may just be playing around when they pounce and nip at their owners, these types of scratches and punctures can quickly lead to serious injury and hospitalization.
According to estimates, there are around 400,000 cat bites reported annually in the United States of America each year. [1]
Studies indicate that cat bites to the hand can pose a risk, as approximately one out of every three patients may require hospitalization.
Recent studies have revealed that cat bites to the hand can be extremely dangerous, and may even require hospitalization. According to research conducted in 2018, approximately one out of every three patients who were bitten by a cat on the hand needed to be hospitalized. [2]
The study also found that cats present a greater risk of infection than dogs because their sharp canine teeth easily penetrate the skin. Bites from cats can also become infected more quickly than bites from other animals.
The majority of cat bites, specifically 89.4%, were provoked. Females, at 57.5%, and adults, at 68.3%, were more likely to be victims compared to males or children.
Data gathered from the United States suggests that the majority of cat bites are provoked, with females and adults being more likely to be victims than males or children. The data states that 89.4 percent of all cat bites are provoked, and 57.5 percent of all victims are female. On the other hand, only 42.5 percent of victims are male. Additionally, 68.3 percent of victims were adults (age 18 or older), while 31.7 percent were children (age 17 or younger). [3]
These statistics show that it is important to take precautions when interacting with cats, as the risk of a bite or attack is much higher than with other domestic animals.
Approximately 20-80 percent of cat bites and scratches have the potential to become infected.
Bites and cat scratches can easily become infected due to their sharp teeth and claws, which can easily penetrate the skin. Studies indicate that between 20 and 80 percent of all cat bites and scratches have the potential to become infected. [1]
The risk of infection is higher for those who do not receive prompt medical attention after being bitten or scratched by a cat. It is important to seek medical treatment immediately upon sustaining an injury from a cat to reduce the risk of infection.
Cat bites account for 5-15% of all animal bites sustained by humans.
According to data gathered in the United States, cat bites account for approximately 5 to 15 percent of all animal bites sustained by humans. This statistic is slightly higher than the estimated 4-6 percent of dog bites in the same population. [1]
The majority of cat bites are provoked, which means that they are often caused by petting or playing too roughly with a cat. It is important to be aware of a cat’s body language and behavior to avoid being bitten.
Approximately 66% of individuals who have been bitten by cats fall within the age range of 20 to 35.
Recent statistics indicate that a majority of victims of cat bites are between the ages of 20 and 35. According to a study conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association, 66% of individuals who had been bitten by cats fell within this age range. [4]
The same study also revealed that over half of all cat bites occurred in the home, with most incidents taking place in the kitchen or bedroom. Men were more likely to be bitten than women, and most bites occurred in the evening.
These findings suggest that it is important to be aware of a cat’s mood and behavior when interacting with them, especially if they are in the home. Taking precautions can help reduce the risk of sustaining a cat bite or attack.
About 66% of cat bites happen on the upper extremities, particularly the arms and hands.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately Two-thirds of cat bites occur on the upper extremities, specifically the arms and hands. This is because cats are more likely to bite when they feel threatened or scared, and they tend to reach out towards these areas as a defensive mechanism. [5]
Every year, there are over 66,000 visits to hospital emergency departments due to cat bites.
Cats are beloved pets, but unfortunately, they can also be dangerous when provoked. Every year, thousands of Americans suffer from cat bites that send them to the hospital. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were over 66,000 visits to hospital emergency departments due to cat bites in 2020 alone. [6]
In addition to physical harm, bite puncture wounds can also lead to serious infections. Cat bites are more likely to become infected than those from other animals due to the bacteria in their saliva. Therefore, it is important to seek medical care immediately if bitten by a cat to reduce the risk of infection.
Cats made up approximately six percent of rabies diagnoses in the United States in 2021.
Cats are generally seen as friendly and loving pets, but they can still pose a dangerous risk if provoked. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cats made up approximately six percent of rabies diagnoses in the United States in 2021. While this may seem like a small percentage, it is still worth noting that cats can be carriers of the deadly disease. [7]
However, the risk of rabies from a cat bite can be significantly reduced if the cat is vaccinated. Therefore, it is important to make sure your cat is up to date on its vaccinations in order to protect yourself and others from potential health risks.
According to a study in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 77% of cat owners reported instances of their cats attempting to bite or scratch them during medication administration.
A recent study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found that 77% of cat owners reported instances of their cats attempting to bite or scratch them when they give medication. This statistic is concerning, as an increase in aggressive behavior among cats can lead to further health risks for both cats and humans. [7]
The study showed that cats may be more likely to bite or scratch when not familiar with the person giving them medication, or when they are scared of the object being used to administer the medication. Therefore, it is important to take precautions when dealing with a cat’s medication, such as wearing protective gloves.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a cat bite accident, please contact Goldberg & Loren’s experienced personal injury lawyers by calling 1-888-522-0335 or by filling out the form for free legal advice. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries.
Sources:
[1] Cat bite. (2023, August 12). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_bite
[2] Theimer, S. (2014, February 26). When Cats Bite: 1 in 3 Patients Bitten in Hand Hospitalized, Infections Common. Mayo Clinic News Network. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/when-cats-bite-1-in-3-patients-bitten-in-hand-hospitalized-infections-common
[3] Patrick, G. R. (1998, June 1). Dog and cat bites: epidemiologic analyses suggest different prevention strategies. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1308678/
[4] Rothe, K., Tsokos, M., & Handrick, W. (2015, June 19). Animal and Human Bite Wounds. Deutsches Arzteblatt International; Deutscher Ärzte-Verlag. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2015.0433
[5] UpToDate. (n.d.). UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/animal-and-human-bites-beyond-the-basics
[6] Aziz, A. M. A., Ismail, A. S., & Yaakub, A. (2022, May 1). Ocular Cat Bite Injury: A Case Report and Literature Review. Cureus; Cureus, Inc. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.24636
[7] A. (2023, April 5). Is a Cat Bite Worse than a Dog Bite? – The Animal Medical Center. The Animal Medical Center. https://www.amcny.org/blog/2023/04/05/is-a-cat-bite-worse-than-a-dog-bite
