Whilst it can be easy to brush off getting into a scrap with other cats as part of their nature, it can be distressing when your cat comes home injured from fighting.

Cats are instinctively territorial and are not afraid to fight to protect what they believe is their space. If another cat encroaches their space or their territories overlap, it can lead to fighting. All cats' territories can vary, from just their house and garden to larger areas around their home, which can make it challenging to work out who your cat is fighting with.

How to keep your cat safe from fights

Cat bites can lead to nasty injuries and infections and can impact your cat’s emotional wellbeing. Regular fighting could make your cat feel stressed in their home. There are several things you can try to protect your pet’s welfare.

Routine is key

Whilst it may seem that cats don’t rely on structure as much as dogs, a regular routine could help your cat avoid fights and help them and other local cats understand when they are likely to cross paths. If you know there is one particular cat your pet is fighting with, it could be worth having a chat with the owners to see if there is a schedule you can both agree on which works for each cat and will reduce the risk of them clashing. If your cat is ever particularly reluctant to go out, don’t force them outside, as they may be intentionally trying to avoid a cat they have fought with before.

Use their microchip to protect their cat flap

If your cat is clashing with another very confident cat, there is a risk they could come through your cat flap and encroach on your cat’s indoor territory, leading to more stress and possible fights. A cat flap that only opens when your pet’s microchip is recognized can help keep your cat safe, giving them the freedom to come and go as they please.

Ensure your cat is neutered

You may be reluctant to put your pet through a medical procedure, but neutered cats are likely to be less territorial. This also applies to female cats, as they are more likely to have trouble with male cats if they haven’t been neutered. If your feline is neutered and still fighting with a particular cat, try to gently check with the owners that their cat is neutered too.

Consider more time inside

Where you can, if your cat is getting involved in regular fights, try to keep them inside as much as possible. Ideally, try to avoid them being out all night as this can be a particularly risky time for cats to fight. If you do let your cat out and hear a possible fight, go outside and see if you can disturb them, as often the appearance of a human will break up the fight.

If you have tried some of our tips and are still struggling to stop your cat fighting, speak to our team or your local vet for more advice.

Image by maturika via Pixabay