Playful Aggression

Playful aggression is not uncommon from cats under two years of age - it's even more common in households with only one cat. It allows kittens to develop their natural predator skills - anything that moves catches their attention. They may pat at, jump on or chase after anything that resembles prey.

Sometimes owners can accidently encourage playful aggression when they are playing with their cats, simply by tempting them to chase after their hands or feet. Playful aggression sometimes leaves the owner with minor scratches, however in general does not cause the owner any harm.

Territorial Aggression

Cats are even more territorial than dogs, and will defend what they consider to be their territory from other cats. Although territorial aggression is rarely shown towards humans, cats may attack another cat if they invade their space.

Defensive Aggression

If a cat becomes fearful, it may attack in defense if it is touched. Signs that a cat is fearful of something include:

• Its ears are back.
• It's crouching on the floor.
• Its tail is tucked under their body.

based

1. http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/cathumag.htm - Dumb Friends League.