 Serious damage is rare , as the fights are usually short in duration , with the loser running away with little more than a few scratches to the face and ears . However , fights for mating rights are typically more severe and injuries may include deep puncture wounds and lacerations . Normally , serious injuries from fighting are limited to infections of scratches and bites , though these can occasionally kill cats if untreated . In addition , bites are probably the main route of transmission of feline immunodeficiency virus . Sexually active males are usually involved in many fights during their lives , and often have decidedly battered faces with obvious scars and cuts to their ears and nose . 
