Cat lovers will tell you cats make great pets. Most say it is because of the love they show when they nestle up to you purring. Others are drawn to a cat for its demeanor. However, some cats can be aggressive and this can give them a bad reputation. If your long-time pal has suddenly turned aggressive, it is important that you get to the root of the problem and fix it.

There are many different ways aggressive cat behavior can manifest itself. Pain Aggression is definitely something to take care of quickly, if they have always been of a mild temper and they are suddenly scratching and biting at you, you need to see a vet as soon as possible. The aggressive cat behavior could well be a signal to you that your cat is sick or injured.

By far, the most commonly seen aggressive cat behavior is play aggression. It usually is caused by the owner! Everybody loves to play with their pet, and the kitten owner is no exception. As the cat ages, it may not understand that aggressive playing can hurt you, or why you no longer wish to play with him. This behavior can frighten others and damage the cat's reputation. Declawing the cat doesn't address the root problem. The better way to handle play aggression is to provide toys to substitute for playing, and to startle a cat with a loud clap.

When a cat is backed into a corner, it is on the defense. Sometimes the cat may become violent when it's been over stimulated and can misbehave if it feels anxious or afraid. When something like this happens, it is the owner's job to recognize the warning signs of the cat so it can be safely removed from the situation. Every now and then, the aggression may be misplaced when a cat sees something through the window that upsets him; it may act aggressively towards you instead. If this happens, the cat may react with a growl or hiss and will most likely need a break.

There are other types of aggressive cat behavior, such as Maternal, Dominance, and Territorial. If a cat has kittens, it may be overly protective of them, it is the owner's job to trust the maternal instincts of the cat and leave the kittens alone. Dominance aggression is more complicated and the only way to treat it is to remove attention until the cat is gentler. Territory fights need to be broken up and the cats separated to their own quiet spaces immediately. Making life boring will be the best way to get them to behave.

Punishment is never the answer for aggressive behavior. If you feel overwhelmed by your cat's behavior, or just need a little help with a specific persistent problem, you can seek help from a cat whisperer. Consulting a cat whisperer is similar to getting them a therapist. Cat whisperers have a good understanding of feline behavior and can be a great help. Many offer advice online, but for troublesome cases an in house visit may be necessary.

Cats make wonderful pets, but some cats have a tendency to exhibit aggressive cat behavior. Playful aggression is common in cats, and may surprise bystanders, but is usually not a serious problem. Cats that feel themselves to be under attack may suddenly turn violent, and it is up to the owner to prevent this cat behaviour. Maternal, territorial, and dominance aggression are typical forms of aggression displayed by cats at different times for different reasons. A feline therapist, or cat whisperer, can help you to understand and correct your cat's aggressiveness.