Child Injuries Caused by Cats

When most people think of pet injuries, they usually think of dog bites or ferocious dog attacks. However, the dangers of cats are less well known but still present. Especially for young children, cats can be dangerous and cause serious injuries.

cats and children

Cat bites and scratches are relatively common; cats often bite or scratch as a form of play. However, cats also bite and scratch when they are angry or feel threatened, and can sometimes result in serious injury, especially to young children. Small children can make a cat angry or frightened by petting or pulling on its tail or limbs. As a result, a cat could retaliate and inflict serious injury on a child. If you have a cat and a young child, or plan to bring your child into a home with cats, take the proper precautions to ensure your child’s safety.

• Talk to the cat’s owner about the cat’s daily behavior and ask how the cat normally acts around small children.
• If the cat has already had a bad experience with a child, ask the owner to keep the cat in a separate room from your child during your visit.
• If the cat has never been around children, keep a close eye on their behavior. If you fear for your child’s safety, do not let your child near the cat.
• If you allow your child to play with a cat that has been around children before, you should still keep a close eye on both the cat and your child.
• If the cat seems upset or agitated, stop your child from playing with it.

Cat bite and scratch infections

The main risk associated with cat bites and scratches is the possibility of infection. Due to the length of the claws and the sharp nature of the claws and teeth, cat injuries are prone to infection. In some cases, these injuries and the resulting infections can end up as serious medical problems.

If your child is injured by a cat, first check the seriousness of the incident. If the wound is minor, thoroughly clean the affected area with a disinfectant and cover with a sterile bandage. However, if the injuries appear serious, especially if they affect the neck or face, consider seeking professional medical assistance to prevent further complications.

Families of children who have been seriously injured by a cat may consider taking legal action against the cat’s owners to obtain compensation for personal and financial losses. For more information on legal issues related to personal injury, visit the website of New York City personal injury attorneys Orlow, Orlow & Orlow, PC