Aggression In Cats
by Virginia Sutherland

Cats are usually considered relatively calm and peaceful animals. Many assume that a cat will be loving and docile, playful and independent, in other words, acting like a cat, if they are just given good food, clean water and a safe place to rest.

But not all cats have the laid back couch potato meditative zen type of style. Some cats are constantly going at 160 mph. Fast, agile, interested, investigating, and bouncing off the walls, keeping their owners awake at night by leaping across the bed or attacking toes under the blanket. Cats are as different to each others as humans are. As long as the personality style is acceptable by the owner there is no problem.

The one personality trait that most cat owners aren't willing to deal with, however, is aggressive tendencies within cats. Dogs can sometimes get away with aggressive personalities because some owners actually want a dog that is mean and able to scare people away. Cats, on the other hand, are generally brought into a home in order to protect the family. For this reason, aggressiveness is not really a trait that most cat owners look for.

Cats that are aggressive can cause quite a bit if damage. While they are small and can't inflict the type of bite a large dog can, their speed and agility can cause damage very quickly.

While there may be some cats that are aggressive by nature, most aggression is man made. Cats who have been abused or tormented have only one way to defend themselves and that is to be aggressive. Another common reason is if the cat has pain. Painful teeth with deep cavities is very common with cats. A cat with excruciating pain in her mouth will act aggressively if someone comes near her face.

So what should you do if your cat is aggressive? You may be able to work out some of the issues with your cat by demonstrating tenderness and making the cat feel as comfortable around you as possible. You should also make sure that your cat has ample opportunity for getting plenty of exercise, because if your cat is starved for some activity it may culminate into aggressive behavior.

Now, there may be some cats that are just aggressive by nature, or may be aggressive around children. (No doubt have been hurt by a child in the past) and it may not be something that can be trained away. In the case of your cat being aggressive towards your children or babies, finding your cat a new home without children may be an option to consider.


Learn more about Aging Cat Health and Cat Food Coupon and other cat health oriented articles by cat lover, Virginia Sutherland.