If a stray cat attacks your kitten, you should take it to the vet, especially if it’s bleeding, lethargic, or limping. Cat claws and teeth contain bacteria, and scratches and bites from cats can get infected. Those wounds must be treated so that they do not get infected.
If your kitten hasn’t received its rabies vaccination, your veterinarian needs to give it immediately in case the other cat is ill. These things can get serious, and going to the vet is the safest bet.
If it was only a brief spat and your kitten received only hissing and swatting without any touching, it’s okay. Your cat may have intruded on another cat’s territory but was wise enough to back off before the other cat became aggressive.
The issue is that you must determine whether or not it is a stray cat.
In some regions of the United States, you can phone someone to pick up the stray. They’ll scan the cat for a microchip. If it belongs to someone in the neighborhood, they’ll get the owner’s contact information.
If the cat lacks a microchip, it may be taken to a shelter where it can find a good home. It’s a good choice as long as you know the cat will be taken to a no-kill shelter.
If you have the time and wish to help the stray cat, trapping the stray is another option. If you can’t find a trap, you can borrow one for a week from animal control. Bait the “stray,” and call animal control for a pick-up when you have him in the trap. You could also hire a professional trapper.
Take the stray animals to the Animal Services Department in your area, where they will spay or neuter them and even put the stray up for adoption. Both of those options are free.
Remember that if your cat has been scratched by a stray, it’s crucial to take your cat to the vet clinic. The stray might have been carrying a disease. Generally, a cat’s paws and mouth carry bacteria that can easily cause an infection.
How to Keep Your Kitten Away From Stray Cats?
Keeping a kitten inside is the best way to keep it away from strays. A cat does not need to go outside to be happy, and it prevents incidents like this from occurring. This is especially important for kittens, which can be deadly.
Even if you live in an area where it is safe to allow your cat out, you should try and keep your kitten indoors.
I recommend allowing your kitty to go outside with supervised access once they’re about four months old, neutered, vaccinated, and well adjusted into your home.
How to Protect Your Kitten From an Attack of Strays?
The best way to keep your kitten safe from wild cats is to keep it inside until it’s old enough to go outside. If you must let it out, do it in a secure area and keep them on a leash. Allowing your cat to go outside is risky for the kitten and should be avoided.
Kittens are unable to defend themselves if a larger stray cat attacks them. When encountering strays, even adult cats are at risk.
On the plus side, most cat “fights” end with one cat retreating. Cats hiss, posture, and swat in the air during a typical battle. They might use a claw to catch the other cat’s nose, but nothing more.
Cats know that their claws and teeth are terrible weapons and that even if they win a fight, they may be severely harmed. Therefore, they fight only when necessary.
How to Keep Stray Cats Away From Your Property?
You can keep stray cats out by building a fence around your property. Ensure no food or shelter in the yard could attract the stray. Then, to keep the cats away, employ deterrents such as a water sprinkler or any of the smells that cats particularly dislike.
Herb rue deters stray animals, whether planted or sprinkled in its dry form.
Cats dislike the smell of citrus. I tested this with my cats, and they can’t stand it. Therefore, orange and lemon peels, cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, lavender oil, lemongrass oil, citronella oil, peppermint oil, or anything similar will keep cats away.
You can take them to the ASPCA if you live in the United States. Feeding them and gaining their trust to catch them all will be easier. Some shelters can dispatch someone to pick them up, but most cannot spare the people or time.
FAQs
What if your cat attacked strays?
Cats are territorial animals that frequently fight to preserve their territory. If a stray cat enters your home, your cat may attack it. Whatever the battle’s outcome, it’s best to take your cat to the vet, especially if it hasn’t been vaccinated.
What to do if a stray cat attacks you?
If a stray cat attacks you, you should call your doctor to find out how to report the attack and find out if you need extra care, like antibiotics, a tetanus booster, or a rabies vaccine. Do this as quickly as possible since rabies is fatal unless you act immediately.
Can you discipline a stray cat?
Disciplining a cat, especially a stray, is challenging. Punishment never works, and positive reinforcement is difficult since it is not your cat but a stray. You could use a spray bottle, which effectively stops unwanted behavior when you are present, and use it consistently.
Alex, a passionate animal lover, has experience in training and understanding animal behavior. As a proud pet parent to two dogs and three cats, he founded AnimalReport.net to share insights from animal experts and expand his knowledge of the animal kingdom.
