How to Break Up a Cat Fight

A cat fight often sounds worse than it is; however, intervention may be necessary to prevent bloodshed. Here are some options.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spray Bottles
• Brooms
• Garden Hoses
• Air Horns
• Sports Referee Whistles

1. Avoid hitting the cats or getting your hands anywhere near their mouths. Hitting could make the situation worse and could cause the attack to be redirected toward you.

2. Spray the aggressor with a water hose. If this doesn't make a difference, aim for the nostrils.

3. Hold a broom between the cats to separate them.

4. Use a noisemaking device such as an air horn to drive the animals apart, and be prepared to move away quickly or defend yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider keeping your cat inside. Abscesses resulting from cat fights can pose serious health risks and are expensive to treat.
• A cat can become infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) when it is bitten - such as in a cat fight.

[scratchnclaw]

on 8/10/2009 I also have a large number of cats. If ever there's a scuffle, it's over before I can even stand up from where I'm sitting LOL but there may be an instance or circumstance where this may be VERY helpful! Ferals in a nearby barn/alley, a new cat, etcetera.

[mary-michelle]

on 8/5/2009 I will keep your advice in mind! Good article.

[rainmanmom]

on 6/14/2009 GREAT ARTICLE!
5 STARS!
RAINMANMOM

[BeingArtsy]

on 6/10/2009 Great article and comments on how to break up (or stop) a cat fight! I hope I never have to. I'm a very protective "mom". LOL 5*

[marvin88]

on 12/2/2008 i have a squirt bottle with my male cat's name on it. Jacob and my female tiger cat dakota have been vieing for "BOSS" of the house from day one. Every time he kicks her butt, stalks her or even looks like he wants a piece of her, he gets nailed. Do not HIT animals. It makes them nasty.