Incidence of and Risk Factors for Cat Bites: A First Step in Prevention and Treatment of Feline Aggression

PALACIO, J. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; LEON-ARTOZQUI, M. ; PASTOR-VILLALBA, E. ; CARRERA-MARTIN, F. ; GARCIA-BELENGUER, S. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Feline aggression towards people has a smaller incidence than canine aggression, but also represents an important public health problem. The aim of this work was to analyse feline aggression reported towards people, to estimate its incidence and to assess the risk factors involved. The information was obtained from the Public Health Centres in the Valencian Region (Spain). A total of 936 acts of feline aggression were analysed. Cats inflicted 8% of all animal bites reported. The annual average was 6.36 feline aggression incidents per 100,000 people. Most aggressive incidents occurred during the summer months. Children (0–14 years old) and women were more likely to be bitten. Wounds were mainly punctures, single, and mild, and were located mostly on the hands. In children, the head and neck areas were affected much more than in adults. The cats involved in incidents were mostly Siamese, female and owned; these cats mainly attacked their owners. Most occurrences were a defensive response by the cat.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2006.11.001

Año: 2007

Publicado en: JOURNAL OF FELINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY 9, 3 (2007), 188-195
ISSN: 1098-612X

Factor impacto JCR: 1.168 (2007)

Categ. JCR: VETERINARY SCIENCES rank: 36 / 131 = 0.275 (2007) - Q2 - T1

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Medicina y Cirugía Animal (Dpto. Patología Animal)