When Does a Cat's Play Aggression Cross the Line?

Other Kinds of Cat Aggression

Adult cat aggression happens for many reasons. You may wonder: Is my cat aggressive if they have good reason to lash out? Top reasons include fear and pain. Both are a cry for veterinary help. Cornell Feline Health Center says other kinds of cat aggression include:

• Territorial aggression: This kind is directed toward an animal or person invading a cat's space. Cats reach social maturity between 2 and 4 years old. They often get along until this age, when they begin to challenge each other for social position.
• Overcrowding of pets: Cats defend beds, food, kittens or other territory in the presence of other animals.
• Predatory aggression: This is directed toward animals or sounds — crying baby, violin — that remind cats of prey.
• Redirected aggression: They can't reach the critter out the window, so they take it out on you.
• Petting aggression: Unwanted handling prompts "leave me alone" bites. This can happen with excessive petting or when your cat is restrained, lifted or forced into unwelcome positions.

How to Handle Aggression

If you're still asking yourself, "Is my cat aggressive?" you can take steps to mitigate questionable behaviors. Adopting two kittens at a time is the best way to diffuse play aggression in cats. The kittens wrestle and target each other and learn biting and claw etiquette. A savvy adult cat also can teach adolescent cats proper limits.

When playing with your cat, avoid using your hands or feet as toys. Toss a cat toy or use fishing pole lures to redirect their energy out of biting range. Give cats a five-minute timeout in a room alone when play turns rough. Removing the source of their fun teaches them that they must play nice for games to continue.

Avoid physical corrections, as they can increase aggression. The MSPCA-Angell recommends trying noise deterrents, like shaking or tossing an empty soda can with a few pennies inside. This interrupts the behavior so you can redirect to more appropriate targets. Try a "hiss" to tell kittens to stop. It won't work for adults but may give babies pause. Here are some other quick tips:

• Avoid prolonged eye contact, which cats may perceive as threatening.
• Watch and listen for signals that warn of impending aggression. Stop the petting before cats tell you to. Stand up to dump kitty off your lap, or lure them off furniture, stairs or hallways with toys or treats so you can pass.
• When cats don't get along, use pheromone sprays and other calming products to ease the tension. Create a house of plenty. Provide lots of toys, food stations, cat trees and feline property to reduce arguments.
• Stop noisy play between pets, since cat complaints predict aggression. If cats continue fighting, separate them for at least 24 hours before reintroducing them.

Cats that draw blood, pull fur, terrorize other pets or scare you require professional intervention. Ask a veterinary behaviorist for expert help. Most cat aggression involves lots of noisy bluffing. Understanding and addressing the cause can prevent problems and get you and your cat back to living a harmonious life together.