Cat Fights and Wound Care: What to Watch For, What to Do, and When to Call the Vet
Cats are small, but they can do real damage—especially to each other. Whether your cat got into it with a neighborhood stray or had a scuffle with another pet at home, fight wounds are common and can range from harmless to serious. Because cats have sharp teeth and claws, even small wounds can become infected if not treated early.
This guide walks through everything you need to know about cat fights: why they happen, how to identify a wound, what you can do at home, when to contact a vet, and what treatment might involve.
Why Cats Fight
Understanding why fights happen can help prevent them in the future. Most cat fights are triggered by instinct and environment—not necessarily bad behavior. Here are some common causes:
Territory: Cats are territorial animals. They often fight to defend what they consider “theirs”—which may include your home, yard, or entire block.
New Additions: Introducing a new cat can trigger fights, especially if the current cat wasn’t socialized around other felines
Possessiveness: Cats may fight over food, toys, litter boxes, or even sleeping spots.
Play That Escalates: Rough play between cats, especially younger ones, can sometimes tip into actual aggression.
Unneutered Males: Intact male cats are more likely to roam, mark territory, and fight with others they encounter.
Spotting Signs of a Fight or Wound
Sometimes it’s obvious: a scratch on the ear, patches of fur missing, or visible bite marks. Other times, the signs are more subtle. If you didn’t witness the fight, watch for:
Limping or difficulty walking
Swelling under the skin
Licking or grooming one area excessively
Flinching when touched
Hiding, growling, or acting out of character
Loss of appetite or fever
Vet’s Tip:
Use your fingertips to feel around the base of the tail, legs, and neck—common sites for bites. Wounds can be small and easy to miss, especially if your cat has a thick coat.
At-Home Care for Minor Wounds
If your cat has a small scratch or surface wound and is calm enough to handle, you can clean it gently at home. Keep in mind this is for minor injuries only. ALL penetrating bite wounds should be seen by a veterinarian and will likely warrant antibiotics as cat bite wounds have a very high rate of infection.
What You’ll Need:
Clean towel
Warm water
Gauze or cotton pads
How to Clean:
Gently restrain your cat in a quiet area.
Soak a cotton pad or cloth in the warm water.
Press (don’t scrub) the wound to remove dirt and debris
Pat dry with a clean towel.
Avoid hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, tea tree oil, or over-the-counter human antibiotics like Neosporin, unless specifically advised by a veterinarian.
When to Call the Vet
Even small bite wounds can trap bacteria under the skin and form abscesses in a day or two. If you notice any of the following, contact your vet:
Pus, swelling, or a lump under the skin
Fever or signs of illness
Worsening pain or sensitivity
Your cat won’t let you near the wound
The wound is near the eye, joint, or tail
Lethargy, limping, or loss of appetite
What a Veterinarian Might Do
If your cat has been in a fight, your vet may recommend a full examination—even if there are no obvious wounds. Here’s what treatment may involve:
Wound cleaning: Deep cleaning or flushing under sedation if necessary.
Antibiotics: To prevent or treat infection, especially for bite wounds.
Abscess drainage: If a wound has developed a pus-filled pocket, it may be drained and flushed.
Pain management: Your vet may prescribe medication for pain or inflammation.
Follow-up care: You may be asked to clean the wound daily or return for a recheck.
In rare cases, if the infection spreads to the joint (septic arthritis) or deeper tissues, more intensive care may be needed.
If the Vet’s Office is Closed
Sometimes, a fight happens late at night, on a weekend, or during a holiday. If your cat doesn’t appear to be in distress, you can take some supportive steps until care is available.
What You Can Do:
Clean minor wounds as outlined above
Keep your cat indoors, in a quiet, separate space
Monitor for signs of infection (swelling, pus, fever, behavior changes)
Avoid applying strong antiseptics or essential oils
If needed, contact an emergency vet for advice
If the wound is bleeding heavily, your cat is in visible pain, or there’s rapid swelling, it’s worth calling an emergency clinic immediately.
How to Prevent Future Fights
While not all fights are avoidable, you can reduce the risk with some simple changes:
Spay or neuter your cat
Keep them indoors, especially at night
Provide separate resources for each cat in your household (litter boxes, food bowls, resting spots)
Create vertical space like cat trees or shelves for personal territory
Play regularly to redirect energy and support their natural instincts
Watch for stress signals like growling, tail twitching, or avoidance
Cat fights can be alarming, but many wounds are treatable—especially if caught early. Pay close attention to your cat’s behavior, keep their environment calm, and don’t hesitate to call your vet if you’re unsure. A little vigilance goes a long way in preventing small injuries from becoming serious health problems.
Worried About Your Cat? We Can Help!
At Furgent Care, we offer after-hours veterinary care for non-life-threatening emergencies. This includes cat bite wounds as well as digestive issues, other minor injuries, skin problems, and more.
Located in Virginia Beach | Open Weekdays 2 PM – 10 PM (closed Tuesdays) | Weekends 10 AM – 10 PM
You don't need an appointment—join our online check-in and bring your cat or dog to our veterinary urgent care today. Our team is here to help guide you through your emergency and provide peace of mind.
If you have any specific questions call us at 757-656-5650 and one of our techs will be happy to help you.