[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

When one cat turns its back completely it signals the dominance of the one who stands fast. Animal combat generally is hierarchical as opposed to be solely injurious, even the weaker animals have their place in the animal kingdom.