WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CAT FIGHTS

 

It is part of their nature that cats will fight with other cats. Cats are not naturally social animals, although they almost always learn to live happily with other cats in their own household. Cats are also naturally territorial, so they will defend their yard (or whatever they claim as their own territory) against any interloping feline. In defending their property rights, it is very common to suffer bites and scratches, and these wounds cause specific risks to the cat's health. These risk factors are detailed below, along with suggestions to minimize these risks.  

 

CAT BITE ABSCESS: Because cats have sharp, piercing teeth that can carry bacteria deep into the tissues, nearly 90% of cat bites will become infected. Usually there are no signs at first; in fact, most owners are not aware of the wounds when they happen, since there is usually only a small puncture and no blood. As infection spreads under the skin, a swollen, painful area may develop and a fever may cause the cat to be more lethargic. In many cases the infection eventually forces its way to the surface, opening up a draining wound much larger than the original bite. If not treated, the wound will drain for a few days, and then try to heal over, trapping infection and starting the cycle again. Any cat bite should be presumed to be infected, and antibiotics should be used. If there is any fluid trapped beneath the skin, it must have a way to escape, or the abscess cannot heal.  

 

FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS(FeLV) AND FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS(FIV):

Both of these fatal virus diseases are commonly spread by cat bites, since the viruses are found in high levels in the saliva and are transferred easily under the skin. Both viruses are common, especially in outside cats. In many areas, 10% of stray cats carry FeLV or FIV. Both viruses attack the cat's immune system, causing a variety of different symptoms as other infections attack the weakened body. In addition, FeLV can cause a variety of cancers of the blood and lymph nodes. There are vaccines for both FeLV and FIV, although the FIV vaccine is only recommended in specific high-risk situations.  Any cat that fights with other cats should have a  blood test to see whether they have contracted either of these viruses.  

 

INJURIES TO THE EYES AND FACE: Cat scratch wounds around the face can result in serious damage, especially to the eyes, ears and mouth. These wounds often need immediate attention.

 

PREVENTING CAT FIGHT INJURIES AND DISEASES: Avoiding cat fights is the best way to eliminate these health risks. Cats will rarely inflict real wounds on cats in their own household, so our concern is contact with outside cats. The aggressive stray tomcat is the usual cause of fight wounds, and these cats are usually very nocturnal, so letting your own cat out only during the daylight hours will prevent most serious fights. Spaying or neutering your cat will also help a lot. In fact, any male cat that is not neutered will inevitably be involved in fighting. All outside cats that may come in contact with other cats should be tested for FeLV and FIV, and vaccinated against Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). 

 

Finally, all cat bite wounds should be considered potentially infected, and should receive medical attention.