Cat Fights
Aggressive physical confrontation between cats can involve hissing, scratching and biting, it’s important to know when it’s gone from play to something more serious.
What is a Cat Fight?
A cat fight occurs when two or more cats engage in aggressive behaviour, typically involving hissing, scratching and biting. Cats are territorial animals and fights often occur when one cat feels its space is being threatened or challenged. These confrontations can lead to injuries, infections, and behavioral changes if not addressed promptly.
At My Corner Vet Nedlands, we provide expert and emergency treatment to help your pet in the case of a cat fight.
Signs Your Pet May Have Been Involved in a Cat Fight
If your cat has been in a fight, access your cat for any of the following:
🐾 Visible injuries – Puncture wounds, scratches, or bite marks on the skin
🐾 Swelling or abscesses – Swelling around the neck, face, or limbs, possibly indicating infection
🐾 Licking or biting wounds – Your cat may be trying to clean up or comfort themselves
🐾 Change in behaviour – Fear, anxiety, or aggression following the fight
🐾 Lethargy or loss of appetite – Signs of stress, shock, or pain
🐾 Difficulty eating or drinking – Oral wounds may make it hard for your cat to eat or drink normally
🐾 Vocalizations – Excessive meowing or growling, which may indicate pain or distress
What Causes Cat Fights?
Common triggers for cat fights include:
🐾 Territorial disputes – Cats are territorial animals and will fight to defend their home, resources, or favourite resting spots
🐾 Social dominance – Fights often occur as cats try to establish dominance or leadership, particularly in multi-cat households
🐾 Fear or anxiety – A cat feeling threatened or cornered may lash out in self-defense
🐾 Overstimulation – Cats can become overstimulated during play or petting, leading to unintentional aggression
🐾 Mating behaviour – Unspayed cats, particularly females in heat, may fight over mates or territory
🐾 Lack of proper socialisation – Cats that haven’t been properly socialised with other cats are more likely to fight
🐾 Resource guarding – Cats may fight over food, litter boxes, or attention from their owners
When to See a Vet
If your cat has been in a fight, consult your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:
✔ Deep or bleeding wounds that don’t stop after applying gentle pressure
✔ Puncture wounds that are not visibly healing or show signs of infection
✔ Swelling or abscess formation that appears a few days after the fight
✔ Lethargy, vomiting, or signs of shock
✔ Difficulty eating or drinking, especially if accompanied by mouth injuries
✔ Behavioural changes, such as increased aggression or withdrawal from interactions
Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s best to seek veterinary advice to prevent complications.
Professional Cat Fight Treatment at My Corner Vet
At My Corner Vet, we provide immediate care for cats injured in fights, which may include:
Wound Cleaning
To minimise the risk of infection and promote healing
Pain Relief
Providing medication to alleviate pain and discomfort
Abscess Drainage
If an abscess develops, it may need to be drained to prevent further complications
Antibiotics
To prevent or treat bacterial infections from bites or scratches
Surgical Care
In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to repair deep wounds or injuries
How to Prevent Cat Fights
You can take steps to reduce the risk:
🐾 Sterilising / Desexing Your Cats – This reduces territorial and mating-related aggression, especially in males and females in heat
🐾 Provide Separate Resources – Ensure that there are enough food bowls, litter boxes, and resting places for each cat in multi-cat households
🐾 Use Feliway Diffusers – These calming pheromone diffusers can reduce stress and aggression in cats
🐾 Supervise Outdoor Time – If your cat spends time outdoors, supervision can help prevent encounters with other cats
🐾 Proper Socialisation – Gradually introduce new cats into the household and provide safe spaces for each cat to retreat to when needed
🐾 Behavioural Training – If aggression becomes a recurring problem, consider consulting a feline behaviorist for strategies to reduce conflict
If your pet experiences a cat fight, call our vets for immediate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Separate the cats immediately and assess any injuries. If your cat has visible wounds or shows signs of infection, contact your veterinarian for an evaluation.
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Sterilising/Desexing, providing separate resources (like food, water, and litter boxes), and using pheromone diffusers can help reduce aggression. Gradual introductions and providing safe spaces for each cat can also prevent fights.
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Yes, cat fights can lead to puncture wounds, abscesses, broken bones, or internal injuries. Bites can introduce bacteria and cause infections. Prompt veterinary care is essential.
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Signs of infection include swelling, redness, discharge, or a foul odor coming from the wound. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek veterinary care right away.
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With proper management and behavior modification, many cats can learn to coexist peacefully. However, some cats may continue to have territorial disputes. A veterinarian or behaviorist can offer advice on managing these situations.
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📍 Clinic Location: 134 Broadway, Nedlands, WA
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If your cat has been in a cat fight and you have concern about their injuries, call your local vet immediately!
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