Kitty wars

[HonniBee]

So our placid rescue cat has just come in from exploring outside and she has a scratch across her nose- quite close to her eye actually! We heard yowling but couldn't see her to help her (she was out the back and had climbed over into neighbours yard)

I have two questions:

1. We cleaned it up with a bit of human savlon in the absence of anything more appropriate- is this ok?
2. Do we let her out again? The front isn't an option due to road, but I don't want her in any more fights! Keeping her in seems cruel though...

[thecatneuterer]

The scratch should heal ok but of course keep an eye on it. I'm not sure about using Savlon but I imagine it's fine if you don't get any in her eyes. I wouldn't try to keep her in. She will decide for herself if it's too scary to go out. However you must have a cat flap (you haven't said if you do). So that if there's anything scary then she knows she can run back inside at anytime to escape. And it might be worth getting a microchip activated one so that only she can get in.

[cozietoesie]

I wouldn't use human ointments on animals - some of the constituents can be toxic to them. Further cleaning can be done using boiled (cooled) water with some salt in it - if needed.

It's going to frustrate her if you prevent her from going out if she's used to it and wants to. But neither should you make it too difficult for her to stay inside if she's nervous of a new place. Have you got a litter tray inside for her to use if needed?

[HonniBee]

Thanks for your responses! I can't believe I didn't think of salt water last night! Anyway, she seems to have survived the savlon experience fine. It looks clean and healthy this morning.

She does have a litter tray inside, and uses it regularly. I have in the past seen her come inside to use her tray!

We don't have a cat flap and live in a rental so won't be able to get one.

My concern is that she is quite timid and not used to interacting with other cats. Our previous house had a larger garden and she was definitely queen of her domain. One or two encounters with other cats, but plenty of space to avoid them.

When we first rescued her she wouldn't go outside at all without one of us being out there with her. I guess it's just part of having an outdoor cat which is hard to accept? Is there anything I can do to stop it happening?

[Fluffycloudland77]

Fightings just something you have to accept with outdoor cats.

Salt water is very good for wounds, if they let you near the injury.

[IlianaDupree]

Going through similar with mine atm. I have one big cat and two 9 month kittens, however, there is a local stray who considers them all fight worthy resulting in a vet visit and big cat having a split ear.

I'm keeping them in atm as the kittens are too small and the stray waits in ambush by the door.

I have been told it's a stray but not entirely sure and think it's owners said that so they don't get the vet bill, which I wouldn't, I just want it neutered

Anyway, I'd let her out and keep an eye out

[cozietoesie]

This could have been just an initial 'getting to know you' sort of scrap - while she inserts herself into the local cat hierarchy. If the local cat population is reasonably stable she should find her place in it and fighting should then be minimal. The fact that she's a girl should help and also that she can stay inside if needed.

Best of luck.