How do I solve this?

[NurseySA]

I have 2 lovely 6 year old brother cats who were neutered as kittens. Since Christmas they have had numerous fights with a Tom cat that obviously lives locally but not with my immediate neighbours. I have had 4 vets trips since the end of December with them both which has cost me nearly £800! Just got in from work tonight and one of them has been in another fight and looks very sorry for himself.

Never had this problem before, no previous fights with the neighbours cats. I have a microchip cat flap so they are safe indoors. They've always been free to come and go, but always kept them in at night. I'm so worried that this horrible cat will cause a much more serious injury to them so do I just keep them in from now on?

Have you seen the tom? These situations very often involve an unneutered stray male cat and getting him neutered and either rehomed or even just released back where you found him will solve the aggression problem.

If you are in Greater London, there's a scheme for free neutering for strays called C4. If outside London, your local cat charities should be able to advice.

Failing that, you could also consider cat proofing your garden - it keeps your cats in your garden and other cats out.

Poor moggies, that is horrible. I also reckon it's an un neutered Tom, I'd keep them in and accompany them when they go out, you might be lucky enough to see the cat involved, you could try and see if he has an owner.

Thank you for your replies.
I have seen the cat, it's a big white thing! I try to scare him away when I see him but I work full-time so can't be around to protect my boys. I will look into the cat-proofing as it will work out cheaper than fortnightly vet visits. Don't think I'd be able to trap the offending cat to get it to the vets, it runs a mile when he sees me now.

Oh dear, I'd keep them in when you're out and think about creating a catio.