Why Do Cats Hiss? What To Know About Cat Hissing

You may think hissing in cats is a sign of hostility or animosity, but it’s actually a normal way for cats to express fear.

Cats hiss at each other and at people when they feel threatened. While hissing is a normal part of cat behavior, it’s a good idea to determine the cause so you can give your cat space and make changes to their environment if they’re scared or stressed.

You should also always investigate excessive cat hissing with your veterinarian to make sure it’s not your cat’s way of telling you they’re in pain or that something else is wrong.

What Does Cat Hissing Sound Like?

Cat hissing sounds like the hiss of a snake or the sound of air leaking from a car tire.

When a cat hisses, they release a sudden burst of air through their mouth, which causes the hissing noise. If you’re close enough to the cat’s face, you can actually feel the air coming out of their mouth when they’re hissing.

A hiss can also change based on the given situation. A hiss can range from a silent, open-mouth hiss that is more a visual sign of unhappiness, to an aggressive hiss with full-on spitting. Common cat body language cues that are displayed with hissing are:

• Mouth open with tongue curled

• Ears flattened

• Back arched

• Hairs standing on end (piloerection)

Why Do Cats Hiss?

Hissing is an expression of discomfort, fear, or stress. Some of the top reasons cat hiss include:

• Feeling threatened by or fearful of people

• Confrontation with other animals

• Protecting their kittens

• Being in an unfamiliar situation or meeting an unfamiliar animal (for example, a new cat hissing at your other cats)

• Stress

• Physical pain or anticipation of pain

• Displeasure or annoyance

Cat hissing is more defensive than offensive, whether it’s directed at other animals or at humans. When your cat hisses, they are saying they need space from whatever they’re directing the hiss at.

Why Did My Cat Hiss at Me?

Your cat might hiss at you because they’re annoyed with you. They may not want to be petted right then, or it may be because you’re trying to pick them up when they don’t want you to. This type of hissing is also common if you have small children at home who don’t know when to leave the cat alone.

Here are some other things that may cause your cat to hiss at you:

• Trying to trim their nails or groom them

• Putting your cat into a carrier for travel

• Having the smell of an unfamiliar dog or cat on you

• Vacuuming or using another noisy household appliance

• Touching your cat in an area where they are experiencing pain

Why Do Cats Hiss at Each Other?

When a cat hisses at another cat, there’s a common misconception that he’s teasing or taunting the other cat. In actuality, hissing is often a signal that the cat wants to avoid a physical confrontation.

In cat-to-cat behavior, the cat that hisses regularly is almost always the one being chased or antagonized.

Common scenarios for cats to hiss at each other include:

• A female cat with a litter of kittens may hiss, growl, chase, swat, or try to bite another cat that approaches, even one she was formerly friendly with.

• Two unneutered male cats or an unneutered male and an intact female commonly hiss at each other when they are looking for mates.

• Cats may hiss to protect their territory, especially when a new cat is introduced into their environment.

• Cats will hiss at other cats to assert dominance, especially when a new cat is introduced to their environment.

• Cats hiss to redirect aggression or when they anticipate pain.

What If My Cat Hisses at a New Kitten?

If you bring home a new kitten, resident cats may hiss at them to establish boundaries, especially when the older cat’s boundaries are being pushed. A hiss is a quick way for that older cat to tell the kitten to stop.

Why Is My Cat Hissing at My Dog?

There are many reasons your cat might be hissing at your dog. In general, cats do not like confrontation with other animals, and hissing is a way to tell a possible aggressor to keep their distance.

What Should I Do If My Cat Hisses?

If your cat is hissing, here are some immediate steps to follow:

1. Back away from a hissing cat to avoid getting scratched or bitten.

2. Give the cat space and let them hide so they feel secure. Do not stare at your cat or try to hold or comfort them.

3. Make sure your cat has plenty of escape routes from other animals/pets and places to hide. Cat condos, perches, and other high spaces are perfect, as they allow cats safe spots where they can calm down.

4. Give your cat time. Cats may take hours to calm down.

5. When they are calm, coax your cat out with food and/or catnip and positive reinforcement. Rewards like toys, treats, or canned food can sometimes help relieve the anxiety and stress associated with cat hissing.

Have Your Cat Checked Out for Health Issues

Physical pain is one of the less common reasons for a cat to hiss. However, your cat might hiss if you’re touching them in an area that hurts. To determine whether a hiss is due to pain or simply fear, it’s important to have your cat examined by your veterinarian.

Always make a vet appointment if you notice your cat acting abnormally to rule out a medical cause.

A cat that hisses excessively and frequently should be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out pain or discomfort. Your cat should also be seen by a vet if their hissing is accompanied by other symptoms, including:

• Poor appetite

• Low energy

• Reclusiveness (hiding) or other changes in behavior

Help Your Cat Feel Less Stressed

If all medical issues have been ruled out, there are plenty of ways you can help your cat feel calm, safe, and at ease in their environment.

Give them time to acclimate to new situations. Understanding your cat’s triggers (such as being bothered by the dog) will also help prevent unnecessary injuries.

Daily enrichment that uses physical and mental energy is great for helping decrease stress and anxiety in your cat. This includes:

• Interactive toys

• Catnip

• Hiding in boxes

• Cat trees

• Window bird feeders

• Outdoor activity on a leash and harness

Consider pheromone therapy, such as the Feliway® Optimum plug-in diffuser and/or Classic spray to assist with anxiety and stress, or Feliway MultiCat to help with multi-cat issues. Pheromone products should be used in a location where your cat spends most of their time.

You can also try behavioral supplements, such as Vetoquinol Zylkene® or Purina® Pro Plan® Calming Care.

You may also want to ask your vet for a recommendation for an animal behaviorist who specializes in helping people understand their pets’ behavior. A behaviorist can help analyze your specific situation and provide tactics to try to alleviate your cat’s stress.