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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.

Of the various types of aggressive cat behavior, pain aggression simply cannot be ignored. A sudden change in demeanor from loving to biting should be taken very seriously. Take the cat to the vet at once. This type of aggressive cat behavior is a very likely sign that the cat is in pain and needs medical attention.

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.

A cat on the defensive often acts aggressive -- as if backed into a corner. Over-stimulated cats may suddenly and unexpectedly lash out violently. A frightened or worried cat is more likely to misbehave, their aggression often misdirected towards those trying to help it. Discomforting events on the other side of the window sometimes cause a cat to growl, hiss and attack its owner. Carefully removing the cat from the source of agitation is sometimes necessary, and is the owner's responsibility. If the cat is not a threat to itself or others, it is often safest for both the owner and the cat to simply leave the cat alone to cool-down with a "kitty time out".

Some other types of aggressive cat behavior are Maternal, Territorial, and Dominance aggression. In Maternal aggression, a mother cat can be overprotective with her kittens -- remember that as an owner, it is your job to trust your cat's maternal instincts by leaving her alone. In Dominance aggression, the causes are much more complicated. In order to be treated, the owner must stop providing attention to the cat until it eventually becomes gentler. Finally, territory fights can be handled by breaking up the fighting cats and separating them so that they can each be in a tranquil place. In order to ensure that they behave, one must make life more boring for them.

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.