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.

All aggressive cat behavior is not the same. Sometimes aggression can be a sign that a cat is in great pain. Beware of sudden unusual biting and scratching from a previously sweet and non-aggressive cat. It could be that this sudden aggressive cat behavior is you cat's way of telling you he is in severe pain.

It's very common for cat behaviour to manifest itself in play aggression. Typically the owner incites this behavior by riling up his cat. Wrestling with a kitten can be fun, but as the kitten grows it usually doesn't understand that it can hurt you and will still attempt to wrestle. Strangers who witness this behavior are often shocked or horrified, and it is this that gives cats a bad name. De-clawing your cat may stop the scratching, but you've only treated the symptom and not the real problem. Try to give them a new hobby instead of wrestling, like playing with toys and dangling playthings. Loudly clapping your hands can stop a cat in its tracks when it is about to attack.

When a cat is backed into a corner, it is on the defense. Sometimes the cat may become violent when it's been over stimulated and can misbehave if it feels anxious or afraid. When something like this happens, it is the owner's job to recognize the warning signs of the cat so it can be safely removed from the situation. Every now and then, the aggression may be misplaced when a cat sees something through the window that upsets him; it may act aggressively towards you instead. If this happens, the cat may react with a growl or hiss and will most likely need a break.

Other types of aggressive cat behavior include maternal, dominance, and territorial. Cats with kittens are usually very protective of them, and it is up to the owner to respect the maternal instincts of the cat and not threaten the kittens. Dominance is much more complex, and often the only way to treat it is to ignore the cat until the behavior subsides. Territorial behavior must be stopped immediately by separating the cats into separate locations immediately. Make life boring for the cats and the behavior often will disappear.

Unfortunately, disciplining a cat will never stop aggressive behavior. If you don't feel you have the ability to deal with the behavior, or other issues may be causing the problem, perhaps you should enlist the services of a cat whisperer. Whisperers are well-versed in dealing with cats and their personalities, very much in the same manner as a therapists. Sometimes, their services and advice can be found online. In difficult to treat situations, however, you may need to arrange for a whisperer to make a house call.

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.