Cat bites

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Although cats which live together may have the occasional scrap, the main source of cat bites is from a prowling tomcat. Even if your cat is neutered, a tomcat defending its territory may still attack it. You may get a clue that there is a tomcat on the rampage if you hear it caterwauling at night, or if your cat suddenly bolts back through the cat flap looking terrified.

When a tomcat attacks it will tend to bite either the face and neck or around the tail and genital areas. Feisty cats that fight back tend to get bitten more around the face, while timid cats which try and flee get bitten more around the tail!

As cats carry bacteria on their teeth, when the fangs break the skin it is like an injection of poison into the cat. These bacteria multiply and if untreated will form a large abscess under the skin within a day or two.

Signs of a cat bite

• your cat may arrive home looking dishevelled with patches of fur missing
• scratches may be visible on the ears and face
• it may be limping
• it may flinch in pain when you touch its tail or neck

Treating a cat bite

• look for any spots of congealed blood on the fur - pulling away the fur may reveal a deep puncture wound
• clip back the fur gently
• bathe it frequently with warm salty water - this will help draw the poison out
• keep your cat indoors as it may run a temperature
• book an appointment with your vet, as most cases need antibiotics
• abscesses can form a day or so after a catfight - this may need to be lanced by your vet

Prevention of cat bites

• most cat fights happen in the evening, so keep your cat indoors
• if your neighbours have an unneutered tomcat that is running up your veterinary bill, discuss getting the cat neutered. Many tomcats don't tend to spray in their own houses, so some owners may not even be aware their cat is being a social nuisance
• if there is a stray tom on the rampage, contact a local cat charity for advice. Some charities will come and trap these cats and have them neutered

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