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Most cats that have outdoor access will, at some time, either be frightened or attacked by a neighbourhood cats, but injuries are usually minor. However, it must be remembered that any level of physical conflict between cats is problematic and unusual for the, as their entire social and communication framework has evolved to prevent this. As a result, we would expect even minor injuries to be associated with a stress related impact on cat welfare. In a recent, unpublished, study by the author, cats that had experienced injuries by other cats were more likely to have significantly higher levels of coat problems, respiratory disease, and eye infections, as well as indoor spray marking problems.

Most cats that have outdoor access will, at some time, either be frightened or attacked by a neighbourhood cats, but injuries are usually minor. However, it must be remembered that any level of physical conflict between cats is problematic and unusual for the, as their entire social and communication framework has evolved to prevent this. As a result, we would expect even minor injuries to be associated with a stress related impact on cat welfare. In a recent, unpublished, study by the author, cats that had experienced injuries by other cats were more likely to have significantly higher levels of coat problems, respiratory disease, and eye infections, as well as indoor spray marking problems.

In most cases inter-cat aggression toward neighbourhood cats is only reported when the problem becomes extreme. For example, when a local cat is identified as the culprit for regular home invasions and attacks on other cats. The owners of the cats who fall victim to this behaviour may even pursue litigation, but this is difficult to achieve given legal issues regarding the ownership, and responsibility for, pet cats. Usually the reason for a cat entering the home or territory of another cat is to get food or shelter, and they may seek out homes with cats that are easily intimidated. However, there are instances of male cats travelling considerable distances and engaging in fights with other cats in an area, very much in the same way as an intact male would. The cause of this is unknown, but usually it does not relate to incomplete neutering. Within households some cats show an unusually high level of control over resources, preventing other cats from accessing them. This is sometimes termed despotism, and it is possible that such cats are also those which go on to despots a neighbourhood. Certainly there dis a large amount of individual variation in feline personality, with some being much more bold, confident and assertive.

In most cases inter-cat aggression toward neighbourhood cats is only reported when the problem becomes extreme. For example, when a local cat is identified as the culprit for regular home invasions and attacks on other cats. The owners of the cats who fall victim to this behaviour may even pursue litigation, but this is difficult to achieve given legal issues regarding the ownership, and responsibility for, pet cats. Usually the reason for a cat entering the home or territory of another cat is to get food or shelter, and they may seek out homes with cats that are easily intimidated. However, there are instances of male cats travelling considerable distances and engaging in fights with other cats in an area, very much in the same way as an intact male would. The cause of this is unknown, but usually it does not relate to incomplete neutering. Within households some cats show an unusually high level of control over resources, preventing other cats from accessing them. This is sometimes termed despotism, and it is possible that such cats are also those which go on to despots a neighbourhood. Certainly there is a large amount of individual variation in feline personality, with some being much more bold, confident and assertive.

==Prevalence and Risk factors==

==Prevalence and Risk factors==