{"id":353429,"date":"2017-08-29T15:58:22","date_gmt":"2017-08-29T20:58:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/cat-bite-lawsuit-basics.html"},"modified":"2025-08-15T13:47:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T18:47:11","slug":"cat-bite-lawsuit-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/cat-bite-lawsuit-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Cat Bite Lawsuit Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Cat Bite Lawsuit Basics<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Cats may viciously attack a human. In some cases, the injuries can even be disfiguring or fatal. Cat owners may be liable for the damages, but it depends on the state laws and the facts of each case.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Family pets bring an incredible amount of joy. But, no matter how much they feel like family members, dogs and cats are animals. Interacting with them can sometimes lead to injuries.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This article describes the legal considerations and process of a cat bite lawsuit. But because every case is different, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer<\/a> about your specific claim.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Danger of Cat Attacks<\/h2>\n

Cat bites differ from dog bites in several significant ways. Bites or scratches from cats sometimes occur, even from the friendliest and gentlest cats. Cats have extremely sharp claws and teeth, and getting a scratch or bite from a frisky or playful cat is not uncommon.<\/p>\n

But that doesn’t change the fact that cat bites can be\u00a0extremely dangerous<\/a>. Cats’ needle-like teeth inject bacteria in the cat’s saliva deep into tissue, frequently leading to infections or disfigurements that can be as bad as dog bite injuries.<\/p>\n

Differences between cat bites and dog bites will impact an owner’s legal responsibility for injuries. Cat attacks are not as frequent as dog attacks, perhaps due to the different nature of interaction between cats and humans. Cats are typically less territorial than dogs, but a cat bite is more likely to result when an unfamiliar person handles a cat.<\/p>\n

Also, unlike dogs, it’s relatively common for cats to roam free outside. Allowing a cat free rein wouldn’t necessarily constitute negligent behavior<\/a>\u00a0on the owner’s part. But a minority of states, including California, have stringent \u201ccat codes” and dog bite laws that place more responsibility on handlers.<\/p>\n

Theories of Liability for Cat Bites<\/h2>\n

Most states have laws that dictate how injury claim liability is determined when an animal causes an injury.<\/p>\n

Generally, three theories of liability can be applied in these sorts of cases:<\/p>\n