If you’ve ever heard your cat hiss, it can be surprising, especially if it’s your first time hearing it. Cat hissing is a vocalization that doesn’t sound friendly, almost like it’s a form of aggression. But what is it, and why do cats hiss?
Essentially, a cat hissing indicates that something is wrong. It’s their way of saying that they are feeling some negative emotions. It’s more of a defensive warning rather than a cry for help, as cats use hissing to prevent and avoid unwanted conflict and interactions.
In this guide, we’re going to share everything you need to know about cat hissing, from what it is, what it means, and what to do to help.
What Is Cat Hissing?
Cats hiss when they feel like they have to put up their defenses. They do it by forcefully expelling air through their mouths, creating a sharp sound that resembles the one snakes do. In some instances, they may even spit out saliva.
Cat hissing is often accompanied by body language such as:
Flattened ears
Barred teeth
Dilated pupils
Arched backs
Puffed tails
Stiff or sideways posture
Why Do Cats Hiss?
Now that we know what a cat hissing looks like, let’s talk about the main reasons why they do it.
Fear or Feeling Threatened
Fear is the number one cause of cat hissing. Your cat may hiss if startled by a loud noise, sudden movements, an unfamiliar person, or a new environment. When cats feel like they can’t escape the situation, hissing becomes their way of de-escalating and asking for space.
Some of the common examples of cat hissing are when they experience loud thunder, meet other pets outside, and visit the clinic for the first time.
Pain or Discomfort
Hissing can also be a warning sign that your cat is feeling pain or discomfort. This can come from injuries and health issues. Your cat may hiss when held, touched, or even approached. Even gentle encounters can make anxious cats hiss if they are experiencing something painful.
Overstimulation
Some cats enjoy petting and playing, but it does come to a point when they think it’s too much. When people pet or play roughly too much, especially on the belly, tail, or lower back, this can overwhelm the cat and make them overstimulated. This will make them hiss to tell you to keep away.
Territorial Nature
Cats are all about that territory, even known for their spraying and other marking behaviors to declare what’s theirs. When they think another person, cat, or dog threatens their territory, cats hiss in an effort to push away the unfamiliar animals.
Guarding or Protecting
Just like how cats protect their territories, cats may also hiss to guard their resources and families. For instance, cats may hiss when other cats go near their food bowls, sleeping areas, and even litter boxes.
Mother cats may also hiss when trying to protect their kittens from anything unusual that comes near them, which can be other animals or even humans.
What to Do if Your Cat Hisses
When your cat hisses, your reaction matters. Responding calmly and correctly can prevent stress, injuries, and long-term behavior issues. Here’s how you can do it:
Stop What You’re Doing
If you’re petting or playing with them, stop it right away. Do not initiate further contact with your cat. A cat hissing presents a clear boundary, and respecting it will let them know that they can trust you.
Give Your Cat Space
Create distance between you and your cat. Retreat slowly and avoid blocking their pathways. Make sure they have ample space and have the freedom to choose where to go. Many cats may calm down once they get a breather and feel like they have the space to recover.
Be Patient
After a cat hisses, they may hide, run away, or even display aggressive behaviors, so it’s important to be patient. Let your cat do what they need to do to rest and calm down. Avoid doing anything that may cause sudden movements or loud noises.
Remove the Trigger
If possible, remove the trigger after your cat has retreated and calmed down. This will decrease the chances of it happening again and can make your cat feel better. If the issue seems to be with them, like an injury or health issue, then don’t approach until they have calmed down.
Provide Positive Reinforcement
Once your cat has calmed down, you can start comforting them by bringing treats, toys, and praise. Bringing their favorite treats and toys can bring back positive associations, which can help them recover.
What Not to Do if Your Cat Hisses
While we’ve covered the basics on what to do, it’s also important to take note of the things not to do.
Don’t Punish Your Cat
Never punish a cat for hissing. Yelling, scolding, or using physical hits only teaches your cat that they were right to feel threatened. Punishing will increase their fear and may even result in defensive behaviors, such as biting or scratching.
Don’t Force Interaction
If your cat hisses at you, don’t try to do anything with them. Forcing contact, even if it’s just a simple pet, hug, or reposition, can escalate the situation. It’s best to wait it out and help your cat after they’ve calmed down.
Don’t Stare or Corner Your Cat
Direct staring, leaning over, or reaching quickly can feel threatening to a cat. Always make sure your cat has an escape route. If they feel cornered by your stares or physical presence, they may feel even more defensive and may possibly resort to aggressive behaviors.
“Cat hissing is a way for them to communicate their negative emotions and need for space.”
- Dr. Nenad Misura
Final Thoughts
A cat hissing may seem scary and shocking at first, but it’s actually a healthy form of communication. It’s a way for cats to tell you that they’re scared, stressed, overwhelmed, or in pain. A hiss is one of the many ways they express their feelings.
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