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.

While many cats are just that, the truth is that cats can have as many different personality traits as a human. Some cats prefer to spend their life on the couch in a zen kind of way, other cats are constantly on the go, bouncing off the walls,high strung and energetic. Some cats are very independent and may not want to be cuddled while yet others can cuddle for hours, purring contentedly.

The one personality trait that does not go over very well is when the cat has aggressive tendencies. With dogs it can be more acceptable since dogs have the reputation of protection, but an aggressive cat is not something most people are looking 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.

Some cats are aggressive by nature, but other cats become aggressive after dealing with abusive owners or other unfortunate situations. It’s no wonder that a cat dealing with a sadistic owner would become aggressive, no matter what its natural demeanor once was. Some people refer to aggressive cats as “feral,” but this isn’t entirely accurate because an aggressive cat might be quite domesticated in terms of using a litter box and eating from a bowl. By the same token, not every undomesticated cat is aggressive.

If your cat is acting aggressively what should you do? First, have your cat examined by a veterinarian to diagnose any teeth or gum problems or other painful physical ailments. Then, get a book on cat behavior and learn to spot the signs you cat is giving you when she is getting agitated. Be affectionate with your cat so she learns to trust you, play with her frequently, that helps the bonding between the two of you. Research a product called Feliway which is very successful in helping aggressive animals to calm down.

It may be that your cat is just aggressive by nature, or is acting aggressive due to a dog in the house, or young children. while aggression is most often due to fear, it can not always be trained away. If your cat is a risk for young children or babies, it may be best for all involved to find your cat a home with no children.

About the Author:

Read about Aging Cat Health and http://www.luvmycritters.com/Cat-Health-Bloody-Stool.html and other cat health oriented articles by cat lover, Virginia Sutherland.

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