Cat owners in Kashmir were thrown into a state of panic following viral social media posts that raised concerns about the safety of keeping cats as pets. Veterinarians in the region reported a surge in visits from worried pet owners bringing their cats in for check-ups.
The issue began in January when local veterinarians issued a warning about a rise in infections among the region’s feline population. This was attributed to a lack of vaccinations and improper handling of stray cats, with the cat population having surged in recent years due to the growing numbers of strays and the increased demand for expensive breeds in local pet stores.
What was intended as a precautionary message was quickly misinterpreted. Video clips and news reports began circulating that falsely claimed cats were transmitting deadly infections to humans and could cause miscarriages among women.
In response, the region’s animal husbandry department released a statement clarifying that cats are safe to keep as pets as long as proper hygiene is maintained. However, the statement did little to alleviate the concerns of many pet owners, particularly in Kashmir, where cats have long been admired in Islamic culture for their cleanliness and intelligence.
Mir Mubashir, a local businessman from the outskirts of Srinagar, shared his worry. After seeing the viral posts, he took his Persian cat, Liger, to the vet for reassurance. “I felt really scared,” he said, relieved only after the vet assured him that his cat was healthy.
Reflecting the widespread concern, Altaf Gilani, head of the main animal hospital in Srinagar, reported that 2,594 cats had been examined in the first seven weeks of 2025, a sharp increase compared to 1,010 cats during the same period in the previous year.
Gilani reassured pet owners, stating that as long as regular vaccinations, deworming, and hygiene protocols are followed, there is no risk to their health.
In Kashmir, cats, like pigeons, have long been seen as companions that reduce stress and uplift moods, especially during periods of conflict. The region, split between India and Pakistan and claimed by both, has experienced prolonged lockdowns in recent years, first in 2019 when India’s government revoked Kashmir’s semi-autonomy and again in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result, more people began adopting stray cats for companionship. Experts even referred to it as “pet therapy,” with children encouraged to spend time with the animals.
“Cats entice you to love them, and you get attached once you spend time with them,” said cat owner Mujtaba Hussain.
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