Srinagar: Experts have warned that a cat-borne infection can lead to abortion among women.
Dr. Syed Altaf Geelani, Superintendent of Central Veterinary Hospital Srinagar, told news agency JKNS that toxoplasmosis is one of reasons for abortion cases among females.
He explained that cats pose various health risks due to their unhygienic toilet habits, as they defecate anywhere. “It is true that cats carry fungal infections, which are easily transmissible. People who handle them closely are more vulnerable to these infections,” he said.
Dr. Altaf stressed on the importance of hygiene, stating that toxoplasmosis is primarily seen in cats. “We have observed that girls often stay in close contact with cats, which increases the risk of infection and can lead to abortion cases, if not kept clean,” he added. He also mentioned that miscarriage cases linked to toxoplasmosis have been reported in Kashmir and treated at SMHS Hospital.
Regarding rabies, Dr. Altaf said that, like dog bites, cat bites can also cause rabies. “In 2024, we recorded 4,500 cases of cat bites. People tend to take cat bites lightly, but they should be reported and treated seriously,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of following prescribed vaccination protocols, particularly in Veterinary hospitals such as the one in Maisuma. “You can keep and treat cats, but only after proper vaccination,” Altaf said.
