Hissing is the sound created by a cat when a burst of air is released from her mouth over a curled tongue. The behaviour is perceived as an intimidating sound because the cat arches her back and shows her teeth as if she is ready to attack.
However, in truth, cat hissing is a feline’s way of communicating with her owner or with other animals. To regard it as an act of regression is a misconception. Understanding why cats hiss helps pet owners foster a safe and comfortable home environment for their pets.
What Causes Cat Hissing?
Cat hissing is believed to be a form of protective mimicry. As such, it is an attempt to mimic a more dangerous animal as a defensive tactic. Mimicry is a natural behaviour in the animal world for survival.
A hiss occurs in cats whenever they feel threatened, insecure, and uncomfortable. This behaviour is an emotional expression for felines.
When your pet emits a hissing sound, here are the possible reasons behind it:
- A warning when threatened. Your cat is giving a warning that she wants you or anyone to stay away. Cats hiss for the following reasons:
- Mother cats protecting their kittens
- The presence of dogs or other animals
- Unfamiliar place
- Having new toys or things at home
- Feeling pain or discomfort. Hissing can be a sign that the cat is in pain. It indicates that she does not want to be approached when she is at her weakest.An innocent touch that could hurt a wounded area is what she is probably trying to avoid; hence, she isolates herself. If the cat is in pain, immediately take your cat to the vet.
- Facing a stressful situation. Loud noises or abrupt movements are some leading stressors. A cat doesn’t feel safe when stressed; therefore, she would react defensively.
- Feeling annoyed. Quirky cats hiss to express their annoyance. They tend to walk away more often as if saying they don’t want to do anything.
Is a Hissing Cat an Aggressive Cat?
One common misconception is that the hissing cat is taunting the other cat, dog, or person.
Often, the “victim cat” is usually recognised as the one who has behavioural issues or is “aggressive.” However, the feline being hissed at is almost always the threat, antagonist, or aggressor.
Following, stalking, suspicious prolonged staring, going over places that other cats may have previously claimed, and chasing are all common aggressive behaviours.
If you live in a multicat household, it is important to know the difference between offensive and defensive postures.
Here are the telltale signs of the cats exhibiting offensive postures:
- A stiffened tail, placed lower, straight down to the ground
- Directly meets the stare of the opponent
- Constricted pupils
- Directly facing the other cat
- Stiffened, straight-legged upright stance
Defensive postures include:
- Head tucked in
- Crouching
- Tail tucked in
- Does not meet the opponent’s stare; instead, she turns her attention sideways
- Open-mouthed hissing and sometimes spitting
- Ears flattened sideways or backwards
How Do You Handle Cat Hissing?
Cat hissing isn’t an aggressive behaviour, but if you ignore this warning sign, you could end up injured. So if your pet hisses at you, give her time and space to calm down.
Do not try to aggravate the situation by hugging or carrying your hissing cat. Respect the space she asking for and gradually introduce new toys or situations. When gradually exposing your cat to a new environment, provide some treats or affection to help her relax.
Punishing your cat for hissing is never a good idea. This could encourage her to be completely withdrawn. Instead, be mindful of the triggers and try to avoid it.
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FAQs About Cat Hissing
1. Why Is My Cat Nice to Me But Hisses at Everyone Else?
Your cat might be feeling scared or intimidated by everyone else except for you. Whilst this might seem touching, it could be extremely stressful for her, especially if you do not live alone.
Train your cat to get used to other people’s presence by slowly introducing them to her one at a time.
In a quiet room, tell your friend or family member to stand a good distance away from your cat. Wait for your pet to approach and interact with them. Do not let them hold her as doing so could trigger her fight or flight response. Instead, give them a toy so they can play and bond with her.
2. Why Does My Cat Hiss When She Is Playing With Another Cat?
When a cat hisses when she is playing with another cat, she is telling her feline friend that the rough play has gone overboard. She may be feeling overstimulated or annoyed by the constant roughhousing.
Ideally, the other feline will take this as a cue to tone down the intensity of their play session. If you observe that the cat does not heed your pet’s warning, take charge of the situation. Separate them for a few minutes so they can cool down before allowing them to play again.
3. Why Does My Cat Hiss and Attack Me Whilst I’m Petting Her?
Your cat hisses and attacks you whilst you are petting her because of overstimulation. This behaviour is called petting-induced aggression. It is an instinctive reaction felines make when they feel uncomfortable or unpleasant when handled.
It would be best to stop touching your pet when she exhibits this behaviour.
4. How to Stop a Cat from Hissing and Growling at Me?
Stop a cat from hissing and growling at you by giving her some space. Do not try to pet her as it will likely earn you more aggressive behaviours such as getting bitten or clawed by her sharp nails.
Once your pet has relaxed, initiate contact with her by offering her a treat as your way of extending an olive branch. Do not look at her in the eye as this action reads as a sign of challenge and dominance.
Conclusion
Cat hissing is often misunderstood as an act of aggression. However, felines display this behaviour as a way to communicate that they feel threatened, scared, or uncomfortable with the situation.
If a cat hisses at you, respect her need for space and let her have some alone time. Not forcing her into situations she does not want helps her form a strong bond with you.