[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

One of my 4 cats employs the drunken style of fighting, lying down and being aggressive from a defensive position, attracting attacks that it easily parries with all four paws. The other cats don’t like it, and will generally avoid her when she lays down during a scuffle. She’s brilliant from her back and doesn’t seem the least bit intimidated by any of the other 3.