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Cat aggression: it can be frightening. Your sweet, beloved pet is suddenly transformed into a hissing, scratching, biting demon. In this article we explore the issue of feline aggression, focusing on the five most common causes. We also explore some simple ways you can minimize and eliminate cat behavior problems such as aggression.

Play aggression is the most common type of cat aggression. Play aggression occurs when your playful kitty plays so roughly by using his or her teeth or claws to play. Play aggression may be mistaken for aggression toward you. Always use a toy to play with your cat instead of your hand or other parts of your body to deal with this type of aggression.

Another cause of aggression in cats is over-stimulation. As kitty becomes too excited, she may lash out too violently. In order to deal with this problem, remove yourself or the object of kitty's ire from the room for an hour. If this doesn't work, kitty may need to be isolated in her own room, with her own food and water dish, for another short "time out". After kitty calms down, her cat behavior problems should also cease.

Another common problem in cats is territorial aggression. This happens when a new person or animal enters your cat's territory, such as your home. Your cat has probably become accustomed to believing that your home and all that lies within belongs to her, so she feels that it is her territory. Introducing new animals and people gradually can help with this problem. And reinforcing the good behavior if your cat does not react aggressively will help as well.

Redirected aggression in a cat happens when a cat feels aggression toward another animal but turns his anger on you instead. This is an unusual cat behavior problem, but can happen when, for example, your cat feels threatened by another cat outside a window but cannot reach them. A good way to handle this problem would be to place shades on your windows. Then your cat will not be able to see the outdoors cats.

Lastly, some cats become more aggressive due to health problems. Several conditions that cause pain to cats, such as abscesses, bladder infections, and stomach difficulties, make cats irritable. Since your cat cannot tell you what is wrong with him, he becomes more aggressive. Dealing with aggressive cats should therefore involve visiting a veterinarian before doing anything else to try to achieve cat control.

Dealing with cat behavior problems is easier if you understand some common reasons for aggression. Aggression in play is normal and appropriate toys may help. Overexcitement may also result in aggression, and may respond to temporary isolation. Cats may exhibit territorial aggression when a stranger or new pet enters the home they consider theirs. Gradual introductions can help to achieve cat control by respecting the cat's sense of possessing a territory. Some aggression is anger or frustration redirected to the owner who isn't actually at fault, handled by removing the cause. Finally, aggressive cats may be sick cats, so a visit to the vet is a wise choice.