Acorn House Pets Column

FIGHT When cats

Cats generally prefer their own company and do not share their food or territory readily. This can lead to fighting between cats when they meet each other out and about. Fighting is more common in the summer months when the evenings are warm and light and cats roam further and stay out for longer.

What are the consequences of cat fights?

Cat fights frequently result in scratch and bite wounds. These may be obvious soon after the fight. Other times, a deep puncture wound from a tooth may not be visible immediately. Over the next few days, the bacteria in the wound may multiply and a pus-filled swelling may appear (an abscess). Cats with infected wounds or abscesses are usually lethargic and may have a reduced appetite. The wounds are usually painful.

Cats that are engaged in frequent conflict with other cats in their local area may become reluctant to go outdoors. This can lead to stress behaviours such as overgrooming or inappropriate toileting. How can I prevent my cat from fighting?

Any cat that goes outdoors could get into a cat fight. However, it is much less likely to occur if your cat is neutered.

Many cat fights occur at dusk, so the risk of fighting is reduced if cats are called inside in the early evening and kept in overnight.

Fitting a microchip cat flap will allow your cat (and no other cats) to escape into the house if they are being chased.

If your cat regularly gets into fights with a neighbour’s cat, you could agree between yourselves to let them out at different times of day.