I'm experiencing similar feelings toward our youngest cat, Paisley. She's about 9 months old now, and still kitten-playful. When she suddenly runs across my body when I'm in bed, she severely startles me (bad for my PTSD) and sometimes causes some scratches. Other times she gets underfoot and trips me (I'm mobility-impaired also). When these things happen, my first reaction is to feel rage. It only last a moment, and I have not hurt her although images of doing so have come into my mind. I am surprised by the level and intensity of the anger that comes, even if it does go away quickly. (Since I'm also experiencing a lot of severe headaches lately, I am about to visit my family doctor to see if there is a connection.)

If it helps you, here is what I do to discipline Paisley when I catch her doing something naughty, like attempting to tip over the kitchen garbage can. If it is within reach, I will grab the plastic water bottle and give her a squirt. She'll stop what she's doing immediately, and since I am not touching her, she won't associate being punished with my touch. So, she won't become hand-shy. If I can't get to the water bottle, I'll hiss at her the way cats do. This puts me in the role of mama cat, and she behaves herself.