Why Do Cats Hiss?

Posted by Grey Cat on January 12th, 2022

Why does my kitten hiss at me?  This is the concern posed by so many kitten parents. Sometimes you get an indication – their ears are pinned back, their tail is arched, and their fur stands on end before you listen to the hissing. At other times, it appears out of the blue and is very frightening for feline owners. Here, we have answered why cats hiss and describe all about this perfectly normal cat behavior.

What is a Cat Hiss?

Felines hiss by urging a sharp burst of air past their tongue in an arched posture. It is a very unusual sound, and if you are close to them, you may even realize this air on your skin.

A hissing of a feline can sound like a snake hiss, and there is an interesting justification for this similarity. It is most common in animal behavior for one species to imitate other creatures\' behavior when it is beneficial to them. It is reckoned that felines memorized how to imitate a serpent\'s hiss when they felt under some severe threat. Potential predators used to listen to the hiss of a snake and inferred that it was a warning.

Household cats, therefore, hiss as an indication to humans or anything else that they anticipate as a threat to them or their kittens. When a feline is hissing, it is sensing a combination of anxiety, distress, and perhaps confusion. Their adrenaline levels get high, and their cat instinct kicks in.

Why Is My Cat Hissing at Me?

A feline hiss for several varied reasons. Here are the main reasons why cats hiss at you:

• Cats Hissing as a Warning

This is the \'stay off\' from me hiss. It is a warning to stay off from the feline or her kittens if she is a mother. A feline may hiss at an unknown human (including a vet), expecting that the noise will put them back off. Felines have a tremendous sense of smell and do not like people who have unfamiliar odors. A mother feline is simply protecting her kittens and is not looking for a confrontation. The hissing is a way of preventing a catfight whilst also exhibiting anxiety.

• A Cat Hissing in Pain

You may have seen that your feline hisses when a veterinarian is assessing them. This gives indications about where their discomfort is coming from. They will hiss when the hurtful spot is caressed. In this case, hissing is a beneficial diagnostic tool.

• Hissing as a Reaction to a Change

Kittens do not commonly like an alteration in their surroundings. Have you ever noted an increase in your cat\'s anxiety level when you get one car back from the vet and your felines are smelling it? Cats do not like the strange smell and may make this apparent with a hiss!

• A Playful Hiss

Being a kitty is all about playing – many cat owners raise the question, why is my cat hissing at me when we are playing? Try not to take this too seriously! They are simply trying out their moves and tricks for when they get older.

Can Cats Hiss When They are Happy?

The important question is, do cats hiss when they are cheerful? This relies on how you interpret feline happiness. Kitties can begin to hiss in the middle of a game that you believed they were enjoying. This does not suggest that they are not enjoying themselves. It just implies that the game has passed over its boundaries. If they are also baring their teeth and have their ears tucked back, it is time to finish off the game and allow them some space.

Should I Punish my Cat for Hissing?

It is not appropriate to punish a feline for hissing. If you are concerned that your cat\'s hissing is getting out of your hands or if you think that it is a sign of anxiety, you may need to observe the matter further. For instance, a cat behavior book, published by animal behaviorist Pam Johnson Bennett, may offer you an insight into what is going on. Also, you could consult your veterinarian or a regional feline behavior specialist for guidance.

Remember to never hiss back at your feline as this will be anticipated as aggression and add to the problem they are feeling.

What Can you do about Cat Hissing?

Feline hissing is instinct and not an issue that requires to be tackled. It simply tells that your cat is feeling weak. However, in a few cases, it can also imply that they are overstimulated. This can arise after an extensive game session.

The important suggestion for calming down this situation is to back off and give your cat some rest. Resist eye contact and let them slope off to one of their preferred hiding spots. Cat trees are great places for over-stimulated kitties to hang out whilst they de-stress themselves. They adore the high vantage point where they can observe what is going on without being a part of it. Once the anxiety has ebbed, you can attempt to interact with your kitty again. They may decide that they want a feast and appear and seek you out again!

Sometimes, however, you will have to reach and ignore the cat hissing. This could be because your kitten is in imminent difficulty or because you need to be taken for medical attention. Always keep your face away from them as they can lash out after they have hissed, and this can result in a terrible scratch. A feline can be restricted by wrapping them gently but firmly in a thick towel and placing them in a feline carrier.

In Conclusion

Feline hissing is usually accompanied by body language and is an apparent sign that your feline is not comfortable with something. It can occur when they encounter something unfamiliar or when they become over-stimulated by playing sessions. It indicates that it is time to give them some space.

If you still have questions about your cat, talk with your veterinarian or an animal behavior professional about the issue.