All species of animals, including humans, have an underlying aggressive trait, which surfaces in specific situations and events. Cats are fairly predictable creatures. Despite this, there are instances when cat owners are startled by a sudden and abrupt change in behavior.

This can cause a seemingly content and friendly cat into a spitting and aggressive cat. Cats normally do not do anything without reason and there is always an understandable reason behind the aggression. Like dog aggression, feline aggressive behaviors also need to be understood before any specific action can be taken.

The most common type of aggressive behavior observed in cats is playful aggression. Young cats that are less than two years of age love to play and indulge in activities that appear aggressive to humans. Young cats do not let go of any opportunity to practice skills that they need for survival.

This involves exploration, investigation and predation. A kitten is likely to pounce upon anything that moves to investigate and explore. It may even bite an innate object that appears as a prey. Socializing at a young age ensures that the playful activity is limited to scratching and restricted biting that does not break the skin.

Unlike dog aggression , which basically occurs due to the inherent dominant nature of dogs, feline aggression is most of the times a playful activity. Cats seldom indulge in aggression without provocation. But they are likely to react aggressively if provoked too much. A fearful cat is more likely to try the escape route and hide behind a sofa. Biting is not a natural response that it has.

But it is not uncommon to hear about cats losing their homes due to aggressive behaviors like biting. Physical distress and fear are factors that can drive cats to indulge in biting in a manner that it provokes aggressive dog behavior .

However, it is only when aggression is encouraged or ignored that a cat tends to behave aggressively. A delivery man, who hides or runs away on seeing a household cat that shows aggressive body language, is sure to instill enough confidence even in an otherwise docile cat. He will remember it and every time a delivery man comes knocking he is liable to face an increasingly aggressive cat every time.