Cats are usually viewed as relatively peaceful creatures. Most people assume that if a cat is given food, water, and a suitable place to rest then it will remain docile and loving toward its owners while also displaying the usual feline independence.
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.
There is one trait though that most people are not happy with and that is an aggressive tendency within the cat. While dogs can get away with being somewhat aggressive due to their "protecting the home" status, aggressiveness in a cat is not a desired quality.
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.
What should you do if your cat is aggressive? First, get some books about cat behavior. Learn to see the signs if kitty is getting agitated. Cats will give off signs that will give you time to back off. Feliway is a product used to calm anxious cats and to lower aggression. Also be gentle and demonstrate tenderness towards your cat so she learns to trust you, and include some quality playing time to increase your bond.
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.
