LOCAL PET STORE OWNER DIES AFTER BOUT WITH VAGRANT ALLEY CAT
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On August 28, 1924, Mr. William H. Fairchild, owner of a local bird and pet store here in the Nation's Capital, died of "cardiac trouble, due to Septicemia" following being bitten by a vagrant cat.
Mr. Fairchild, who lives on the 2nd floor of his store, was returning home from a drive when he encountered the feline. As he attempted to toss the cat out into the street, Mr. Fairchild was bitten on the right hand.
By the next day, the hand was swollen so bad that Mr. Fairchild sought medical attention. Doctors treated the hand and did not believe their patient was in any danger.
*Septicemia, aka sepsis, is the body's most extreme response to an infection. It is caused by blood poisoning from germs.
SOURCE
"Pet Store Owner Killed by Bite Received From Vagrant Alley Cat," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., August 28, 1924, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
