fighting cat advice please

[maxcliffordslovechild]

My 7yr old ginger moggie has been fighting with the local cats, he's always been a bit of a scrapper but lately it's been so much worse. I got him at 2yrs old unneutered so neutering was the first thing I did, he doesn't like being in in the day and I've been trying to keep him in at night but he hates it (always been more of an out cat than in).

He just looks so sad and depressed and seems to let them beat the crap out of him all the time. He's covered in various scars and scabs and bald patches.

I've got a dog and even that doesn't keep the local cats out of the garden, any ideas would be appreciated because at the moment I really feel he's so unhappy

[cozietoesie]

I'd try him as an indoor cat, max, despite his current yearnings. Hang tough and keep the litter tray clean. If he yowls at the door, distract him.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Oh dear, maybe he's getting too old to fight now and theres a new tough tom in the area who really wants to be boss cat and your poor boy is near the bottom of the hierarchy?

If you see it happening do you have a super soaker you could blast the other cat with?

Maybe if he's in for a while he can get his strength back, last big fight ours had DH asked me if I was positive he hadnt been run over because he was just so shell shocked.

[cozietoesie]

Forgive me fluffy but I rather got the impression that your boy could take out bufflalo ?

[Fluffycloudland77]

The neighbourhood black and white tom wants it more and is'nt backing down.

He's come back today with a fluffy tale and no collar. . He looks pleased with himself.

I buy so many collars in poundland, I actually cleaned them out one day. True story.

[maxcliffordslovechild]

I do have a water pistol to stop fights when I see them but it's so sad he used to be able to hold his own but they seem to gang up on him. Thanks for all your advice and I think (for a while at least) he's going to be an indoor cat. At least I'll know he's safe!

[cozietoesie]

Indoor can be absolutely fine. Lots of love cuddles and games, plenty taste treats, keep the litter tray spotless. He might well decide he prefers it.



The lots of love and cuddles is essential for an indoor cat.

[out2lunch]

what cozie said

he is probably finding it all stressful

[Fluffycloudland77]

Our cat used to be out all day, we wouldnt see him for 8 hours.

Now he has about an hour out a day and he's adapted to it really well.

He sits on the windowsill glowering and growling at the other cats.