Has your cat been fighting? Are they wounded or injured?

Outdoor cats will roam and it is not uncommon for them to get into fights, however it is important that any wounds or injuries are properly treated.

Sometimes it can be obvious that your cat has been in a fight, as you may notice torn or scratched ears or other wound on their skin. Puncture wounds are a typical injury following cat fights as they swipe each other or bite.

If you cat has been fighting, you may notice a change in their behaviour, such as being anxious and jumpy or subdued or lame. They may even hide away and under furniture as they feel scared after the event.

You can check your cat over using your hands to look for any obvious wounds, and for evidence of fresh or dried blood or clear fluid. Sometimes they can take time to find if not obvious initially, particularly if your cat has dense fur.

If you do locate evidence of a cat fight wound, it is important to keep it clean over the next few days. To do this, you can either use an veterinary wound wash solution, ensuring you follow the instructions provided, or make up a solution of warm salty water (typically a heaped teaspoon of table salt dissolved within a mug of warm water). Salty water shouldn’t be uncomfortable for your pet and will not be an issue if they lick the solution after or while you are cleaning their wounds. Once you have made up your solution, use a cotton wool ball or pad to clean the wound and remove any dried blood or other material. Ensure to discard the pad and use another dipped in the solution each time you clean.

Monitor any wounds you do find over the next few days, but if you notice any continuing changes in behaviour, or worsening to their injuries (i.e. swelling, signs of infection like coloured discharge or red angry edges, or excessive licking at the area), please contact your independent vet practice, Milton Keynes Veterinary Group, to arrange appointment for them to be seen and checked over as they may require medication to help them recover.