Think Your Cat Has Been in a Fight? 3 Practical Tips for Dealing with the Situation
Cats fight for a number of reasons. Being naturally territorial animals, they are
prone to disputes with other cats over what they consider to be their realm. They
can also get into fights because they feel lonely at home so they decide to go outside.
If your cat isn’t aggressive and can tolerate living with another cat then consider getting a new companion for your cat, you can look into which breed of cat is best for your household and contact someone like a Bengal Breeder for example.
On the other hand, Maine Coons compared to regular cats, they are a special cat breed. These cats also have a wonderful and companionable personality. You can also read on for more valuable info!
We’ve listed some practical advice to help you deal with the situation after your
cat has been in a fight.
1. Treat the injuries
It’s wise to have a basic first aid kit for your pet; however, if you suspect your
cat has been bitten during a fight with another cat, it’s important that you visit
the vet as soon as you can to prevent infection or an abscess from forming. Your
vet will clean the wound and prescribe antibiotics.
Your cat might not have any visible injures after a fight, so try to see if you can
feel any wounds under their fur. If your cat shows sudden distress – such as
yelping out or flinching – from being handled, then you should assume that it has
been injured in some way and take it to the vet for a check-up. Even if your cat
seems ok, keep an eye on them over the next few days for any changes in
behaviour. Wounds can turn into deadly abscesses and these need to be treated
by a vet.
2. Identify the problem
If your cat has recently been fighting, there is every chance that it will run into
conflict again. Identifying the circumstances around the fight will help you to
decide on what action you can take.
For instance, if your cat has been fighting with one of your other pets within your
home, then look for the potential trigger. Do they fight over food? Is one cat
bullying the other? Does your cat lash out when you show the other one
attention? Likewise, if your cat has been fighting with a neighbourhood cat, what
can you do to prevent that? Not sure if a particular cat behavior is normal? It probably is.
Working out what is causing your cat to fight will help you alleviate the issue.
3. Take action
Once you’ve identified the catalyst for your cat’s fight, you can then determine
an action plan. Unfortunately, due to their territorial nature, it can be very
difficult to completely prevent cats from fighting. That is why it’s a good idea to
have decent pet insurance should your cat get injured from conflicts in the
future. It’s not unusual for vet bills to run into thousands of pounds, so consider
getting cover from companies such as Petsure.
There are ways you can reduce the likelihood of a dispute occurring. If your cat
has been bullying its sibling, for instance, you can provide a safe space on a high-up level for the harassed individual to escape to. This will help keep the two
cats separate and will allow the bullied pet to seek solace in a secluded spot.
Also look at ways to keep your cat entertained to prevent it from pestering other
cats in your home. The cat’s need for entertainment can be met with a cat fitness wheel, offering an engaging and enjoyable way to keep her stimulated and mentally engaged. Provide lots of scratching posts and toys and consider giving
it access to the outdoors, if possible.
Disputes over resources in multi-cat households can be reduced by providing
separate food and water bowls, litter trays, and beds. Always show the same
level of affection to all your cats to prevent conflicts caused by jealousy.
If your cat has been fighting with a neighbourhood rival, then ensuring your pet
is spayed or neutered is essential. If that doesn’t help, you might want to
consider keeping your cat indoors or supervise it when outside, perhaps on a
leash. Failing that, then consider using tactics to deter the other cat from
entering your garden – for instance using strong citrus scents or a sound
repellent – can help. Make sure your cat stays indoors.
Taking your cat to a cattery Melbourne can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience for your them. They will not be left isolated and at risk of excessive eating due to boredom. They won’t have to deal with unfamiliarity in their personal space, either. If they want it, they can have constant affection and attention.
Conclusion
Whether your feline friend is an indoor cat within a multi-pet household or they
prefer exploring the outdoors, there is always the chance they’ll get into some
kind of dispute. Knowing how to deal with these conflicts, as well as well how to
reduce their likelihood in the future, is the most effective way to handle the
situation.