Cats are very territorial animals and that’s why it’s no surprise that the main cause of cat fights and bites are cats defending their territory. If your cat is involved in a cat fight, it is very important to seek medical attention. Why? Because cats’ mouth contains bacteria, and untreated bite wounds can cause a serious illness.
Bite wounds heal quickly, however your cat will most likely be in pain if they have been bitten in a cat fight. The most common areas to check are the head, tail and legs. Also check for areas with matted or wet fur. Common signs are:
There are a few types of infection that may arise if a bite is left untreated.
If your cat has been in a cat fight, the first step is to visit your veterinarian for a complete evaluation. If it is within 24 hours of the cat fight, the vet will clean any wounds and treat your cat with antibiotics.
Often after this time frame an infection is very likely to have occurred. Depending on the severity of the bite and infection, the best course of treatment will be established by the vet. For example, opening and draining any infections, sedation, removal of unhealthy tissue, or extended draining of wound.
Most wounds will heal within two weeks once treated, however a follow up consultation is required to ensure that the wound is healing as expected.
Desexing your cat will help to prevent some territorial behaviour that results in cat fights, however not completely. It is important to keep your cat indoors at night when cat fights most commonly occur. Try to avoid leaving any uneaten cat food outside to deter other cats from coming into your yard.
If you suspect that your cat has been in a cat fight, ensure that you contact your vet for treatment as soon as possible. The friendly staff at Karingal Veterinary Hospital are always here to help, so feel free to make an appointment over the phone or book online today.