Crossword Genius

The odd cat loses its tail in a fight (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rumpus

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'loses its tail in a fight' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'the odd cat' is the wordplay.
'the odd' becomes 'rum' (rum can mean strange or dubious).
'cat' becomes 'pus' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'rum'+'pus'='RUMPUS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rumpus that I've seen before include "5a [BALLYHOO] involving noise" , "Uproar or angry dispute" , "'Commotion, din (6)'" , "Kerfuffle" , "To-do" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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