The problem of aggressive cat behavior can spoil what would be an otherwise happy relationship between you and your pet. Cats possess their own compliment of bacteria in their claws and mouths. Some of those bacteria can be harmful to humans. More than just painful, a cat bite or a cat scratch can sometimes lead to a dangerous infection.

The key to controlling aggressive cat behavior is in understanding the causes and eliminating them whenever possible. Even tiny kittens exhibit aggressive behaviors during play. A savvy pet owner will learn to understand his cat's psychological make-up as well as his instincts that are nothing more than normal cat behavior.

In nature, cats are predators, and kitten play derives from their natural hunting instincts. Therefore, some aggression is to be expected, but you still should set limits for kittens and give them appropriate substitute activities to absorb some of their aggressive impulses. If a kitten bites or claws you, even if it seems cute at the time, you must rebuff it and stop petting it or you else you will reinforce the conduct. Those little nips and scratches that are cute when they come from a kitten aren't so cute when they are delivered by an adult.

Provide kittens and all cats with toys and furniture like scratching posts that are fine for aggressive play and claw scratching. Always be clear that biting or clawing you is not permitted. Reinforce good behaviors with words and with some treats, but never punish a cat by hitting them. This destroys your relationship and will usually increase aggression.

A cat that is ill or stressed out is unable to tell you in words, so he may display aggressive behavior to get your attention. If you pet begins showing aggression you haven't seen before, be sure to take him to the vet immediately to have it checked out. A pet can become stressed by such things as changes in your household or his diet, loud noises, or having a new pet invading his territory. If you can, introduce your kitty to changes gradually in order to reduce his stress. Lower stress levels should result in less aggressive behavior.

There are theories that aggressive cat behavior can be partially blamed on diet. You might want to discuss this possibility with your veterinarian. Excessive weight can lead to joint pain for older cats, so helping your pet lose weight can help him feel a lot better. However, if you find your cat is losing weight too rapidly, a condition which can be dangerous to the point of being fatal to your cat, talk to your vet.

Make sure that you pay attention to the body language of your cat. An over-stimulated feline can quickly turn and show aggressive behavior, just like when a cat goes from purring to biting in the flash of an eye. Danger signs include a flicking tail, an arched back, and pulling back of the ears, which should warn you to back away from the cat. Starting behavioral training early in a cat's life and reinforcing good behavior will pay dividends for years and years by teaching the cat good habits at an early age.

Any plans for happily ever after with your new feline friend are quickly ruined by aggressive cat behavior. If you are victim to a cat scratch, clawing, or biting, it can be more than a temporary ailment. If you do not clean and dress the wound, it might easily become invaded by bacteria and infection. Unusual feline aggression may often be contributed to the cats health. Without the ability to communicate many cats will use aggression as a signal that they are ill or have been injured. Stress can be caused by changes in the cats diet, outside noise or new pets or children in the home.