Many people worry about getting bit by a dog, but cat bites can be even more dangerous since cat’s teeth tend to be sharper. In addition, cat bites can infect a wound, causing problems if left untreated.

Cat bites are so dangerous that about one in three patients bitten on the hand by felines had to be hospitalized, according to a Mayo Clinic study. Bites to the hand tend to be the most common area of injury, because patients usually were petting the dogs or cats or defending themselves against an attack, said Dr. Mauro, with Miami Valley Hospital.

So be careful when petting a strange animal. Then be careful petting your own cat because if you aren’t doing exactly what your cat wants you to do, you risk getting hurt. The lesson is that you should always do what your cat wants you to do without question because that’s the way life works with a cat.

To learn more about the increase in animal bites and the danger of cat bites in particular, click here.