cat bite?

[catlover]

A few months ago I was on vacation and I had someone clean my house while I was gone. I paid her in cash at her request. When I got back I had a note from her saying that my cat bit her. She went to the emergency room after she cleaned my house. My cats have had all of their shots and are up to date on all of their care. 2 weeks later she came back to clean my house and showed me a scratch about an inch long on her thigh. She says that was where my cat bit her. There was no bruisng or anything. My cats have never bitten anyone. She has cleaned my house before with them here when I am gone. Anyway, she told me she was given a tetnus shot and some anti-biotics to take. She said the anti- biotics were making her have an upset stomach.
Today she came and showed me a bill from an er visit which her insurance company did not pay. She has asked me to pay it. It is for about $450.00. I am wondering if I am obligated to pay this. I do not know why she went to an emergency room. There is nothing on this statement that indicates she was treated for a cat bite. She did get a tetnus shot, but tetnus shots are routine medical treatment that are given in a doctor's office.
Am I obligated to pay this bill?
Thank-you for any assistance you can provide.
Kathie

[OHlandlord]

You may be obligated to pay for her medical treatment. Just as if your dog was to bite someone, you may be liable if your cat does the same. Before you pay though, I would request that she show you proof that she was treated for a cat bite (and not something else). An inch long scratch a week later is hardly proof of an animal attack. Not that she is lying, but she could have cut herself on a rusty nail at home and received the same treatment. Ask her to get the hospital/doctor to write a statement that shows she was treated for an animal bite. Then pay for it. In future, you might consider putting your cat in a dog crate or some other cage while she cleans to avoid future charges. One large enough for food, water, a litter box, and room to move would suffice until you returned to let it out.

I had almsot the same situation that just occurred. And the person was not being truthful. Good advice above, check everything!