The growing popularity of pet cats is emerging as a new public-health concern in Kushtia, with 1,026 of 1,150 people who received rabies vaccines at Kushtia General Hospital during the first 15 days of September having suffered cat bites or scratches.

The hospital data also show the scale of animal-bite cases in the district, with 12,681 people receiving treatment and rabies vaccines at the 250-bed hospital after animal bites or scratches during the first eight months of the year.

The September figures show that nearly 90 per cent of those who received rabies vaccines during the first half of the month had been bitten or scratched by cats. In comparison, 120 had suffered dog bites, three had been bitten or scratched by monkeys and one had been bitten by a fox.

The trend is also reflected in the hospital’s monthly figures. An average of 1,585 people received treatment and rabies vaccines each month during the first eight months, or about 52 a day.

The number of patients reached 2,281 in August, the highest monthly figure during the period. The monthly figures were 1,712 in January, 1,189 in February, 1,187 in March, 1,537 in April, 1,508 in May, 1,659 in June, 1,608 in July and 2,281 in August.

Dr Iqbal Hasan, acting Resident Medical Officer (RMO) of Kushtia General Hospital, said dog-bite cases were now comparatively low, while cat-related cases had increased significantly.

“The number of patients with dog bites is comparatively low now. Incidents involving other animals are also fewer. But the number of patients with cat scratches or bites is quite high. Around 95 per cent of those affected have been scratched or bitten by pet cats,” he said.

He added that some people were returning to the hospital after being scratched or bitten again by cats only a month after receiving rabies vaccination.

The growing popularity of keeping pets appears to be accompanying the rise in such incidents. Over the past one to two years, the number of shops selling pet food and care products has also increased in different parts of Kushtia town. These shops sell food for cats and dogs, along with medicines and other pet-care products.

The experiences of patients at the hospital show how such incidents occur in everyday life.

Suhita Hossain, a tenth-grader and resident of Kushtia town, came to the hospital after a pet cat bit her while she was playing with it.

Another town resident, 55-year-old Imran Ahmod, convener of Bangladesh Jatyia Party (BJP), said a cat bit him after he accidentally stepped on it while it was sleeping beside a bed at his home. The same cat had scratched him previously, and he had needed rabies vaccination on that occasion as well.

Hospital officials said demand for rabies vaccines has risen to such a level that as many as 563 doses have been administered in a single day. Currently, an average of 200 to 250 doses is being administered every day, putting additional pressure on the public healthcare system’s rabies prevention programme.

Health officials said the figures cover only Kushtia General Hospital. The actual number of people affected by animal bites and scratches across the district is likely to be higher if data from upazila health complexes are included.

Moreover, some people obtain vaccines privately from pharmacies instead of visiting government hospitals, meaning government statistics may not capture the full picture.

Dr Iqbal Hasan said pet owners should remain particularly cautious when their animals are allowed outdoors.

“When pet cats or dogs go outside or come into contact with other animals, their scratches or bites can create a risk of rabies. It is important to vaccinate pets regularly and control their movement,” he said.

He also advised people not to take repeated rabies vaccines unnecessarily and to follow medical advice regarding vaccination.

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted from animals to humans. When the saliva of an infected animal enters the human body through a bite or scratch, it can cause infection. Vaccination and controlled movement are particularly important for animals such as cats and dogs that remain in close contact with people.

After an animal bite or scratch, the wound should be cleaned promptly and medical advice should be sought regarding the need for rabies vaccination.

Shahabuddin Milon, vice-president of the Bangladesh Biodiversity Conservation Federation (BBCF), said caution was essential when keeping pets.

“Proper care and vaccination of animals must go hand in hand with public awareness. If anyone is scratched or bitten by an animal, they should be taken promptly to the nearest hospital or health centre for necessary treatment,” he said.

Kushtia Civil Surgeon Dr Sheikh Mohammad Kamal Hossain also stressed the need for awareness among pet owners.

“Before bringing a cat, dog or any other animal into the home, its vaccination must be ensured. At the same time, care should be taken to prevent the pet from coming into contact with other animals outside,” he said.

He added that there is currently no shortage of rabies vaccines at Kushtia General Hospital or health centres at the upazila level.