Cats fighting...?

Question

I have a 5 month old kitten and a 4 year old cat. We recently adopted the kitten and have been very slowly introducing them to each other. It has gotten so that we can let the kitten walk around the house without much incident, although we do hear hisses every once in a while. Today, however, I went upstairs after hearing a hiss, and found both cats near each other. There was blood on the floor, and the kitten hid behind a door. I opened the door, and there was blood swiped all over the wall. When I picked her up, I had some blood on my sweatshirt. I have checked the kitten thoroughly (as thoroughly as I can, anyway) and can't find the source of bleeding. Is it possible the cut already healed and stopped bleeding, or should I be concerned? The kitten isn't showing any signs of pain, is jumping around and walking like usual. She did recently get spayed but the area isn't irritated. Or, is it possible the bigger cat is bleeding and the kitten transferred blood?

In addition, do you think there is any hope they will someday get along?

Both cats are female and spayed.

Answer 1

Cats are masters at disguising pain. This could be a result of less-sensitive pain receptors, or a superior endorphin-releasing-pain-killing system. Our felines are an evolutionary masterpiece; their ability to mask pain and discomfort is an asset in the wild. The flip side is that we as owners have a very difficult time knowing when something is actually wrong.

Cats - especially cats who fight - have some very common areas of injury. Paws are hugely popular - paw pads, space between toes and forearm. Defensive wounds are usually on the rear - think "I'm retreating" - and bites and scratches are common around the base of the tail and the flanks. Offensive wounds are usually on the cheeks and neck. Occasionally, trauma from being banged around during the fight can cause oral bleeding - biting of the tongue or nicking a gum. This might be transferred to the paw when the cat rubs it's mouth because of the discomfort.

If she's not bleeding or appears to be comfortable, she's probably fine. Cat bites and nails are full of gram-negative bacteria, and the wounds that inflict can cause some nasty infections. Make sure you watch your kitten closely for lethargy, lack of appetite, or any heat, swelling or loss of hair over a potentially injured area. Just because there's no hole now doesn't mean there wasn't before. If she develops an abscess, some simple antibiotics are all they need to clear it up.

Good luck with helping your kitties get along - if you need any help in easing the tension of the environment, drop me an email. I have some quick and simple techniques that can make your job of playing keeper a little easier.

Answer 2

I wouldn't let them hang out together alone if blood is getting shed. Try separating them and having some "family time" every day for a while. If this keeps up other living arrangements may have to be made for someone. My 2 females don't like each other that much but each get along with both the males. It's a female thing I think. Good luck!

Answer 3

yes but it takes time. are the cats male? neutered? the idea that one is bleeding is not good. they should be separated and introduced a little at a time. i had the same problem and i let them see and smell each other through a crack in the door or a barricade like a pet door. they were separated until the hissing and aggression stopped. then eventually i reuinted them and all was ok. there were occasional hissing for years but thats about it.

Answer 4

Cat fights are worse. Men will battle plenty extra reasonable then ladies. Once a petty girl will get ahold of the opposite girl's hair and does not permit pass is the moment that woman protecting the hair loses.

Answer 5

In my experience, females don't get along with each other. And a lot of time they don't even get along with males. While, all of the males I've had have never had problems with other cats being around.

Answer 6

Consult vet