[ELI5] What are cats trying to physically achieve in a fight?

Question

I understand that cats, like many animals, may fight if they feel threatened, over territory, male aggression, etc.

But once they throw down, what does instinct tell them to do? They happen so quickly and frantically, seemingly without strategy, it’s hard to make sense of what’s going on.

Try to scratch the other’s eyes out, maim or kill, or just keep swinging until the other backs down?

In: Biology

Answer 1

As kittens they are practising hunting…it’s in their dna? Our old cat has bolted, cried & hid from fights for many years.