The yowling, the hissing, the fur flying, the mop-up. Cat fights can get nasty quickly. So whether your feline is getting into scuffles with neighbourhood cats or another family pet, here’s how to stop it.

Cat yawn

Visit the vet

First things first: if your cat has been in a fight, take them to your local Greencross Vets as soon as possible. If your cat has been scratched or injured and you leave it too late an abscess may mean your pet requires surgery. While you’re there, discuss any underlying causes for the fight and consider vaccinating your pet against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) similar to the AIDS virus in humans. If untreated FIV can lead to problems with your cat’s immune system later in life, making it more susceptible to infections, bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Once that’s done, here’s how you can avoid future conflicts:

Family cat vs. family cat

  • Reduce territorial conflict by providing separate beds, food bowls, toys, scratchers, hiding places and litter trays for each cat.
  • Reward your pets with a treat when you notice them getting along nicely.
  • Unrelated cats of the same gender can be prone to fighting, particularly non-desexed males. Speak to your local Greencross Vets about desexing your cat as a way of reducing aggression.
  • If you catch your pets mid-brawl disrupt them with a loud noise (clap or bang some pots and pans) or spray them with water.
  • In the case of frequent fighting, your cats may need some time apart. Try placing them in separate but adjoining rooms. Swap them over each day so they get used to smelling and hearing one another without conflict. Reintroduce them to one another, after days or even weeks.

Family cat vs. neighbourhood cat

  • Most cat fights occur at night. Good pet care involves keeping your cat indoors once it gets dark.
  • If your cat is male and not desexed, it might be the neighbourhood bully. Speak to your vet about fixing the problem.
  • If you know the owner of the other cat, discuss alternating the times your cats go outside.
  • If another cat is entering your yard, consider drawing your curtains to stop the cats spying one another, improving fencing and removing things that might attract other cats, like bird feeders.
  • If another cat is visiting your home, consider upping security with a cat flap that recognises your pet’s microchip or magnetic collar.