When a cat hisses at you what does it mean

Here are the reasons why cats, from the friendly ones to brand new kittens, make that hissing sound.

If you’ve ever been hissed at by a cat, you’ll remember: It's a scary sound. A hiss coming from a cat is similar to the warning sound a snake makes (also memorable!). In fact, some cat behaviorists suggest cat hissing may imitate the sound of a snake when they hiss. Whether coming from a cat or a snake, the sound of a hiss delivers a universal message: “back off.” 

Why Does Your Cat Hiss? 

While many cat noises can indicate contradictory situations (for example, purring is generally associated with cats being content, but it can also indicate fear), hissing is plain and simple. It’s a warning sign. And when you witness a hissing cat, there’s no doubt the cat is agitated.

There are several reasons why your cat might throw a hissy fit. Let’s break them down:

There are several ways a cat can show their annoyance at a person, animal, or situation. Most include pretty obvious body language like bared teeth, pinned back ears, an arched back, a fluffed out tail, or widened eyes. But when it comes to sounds, hissing is the cat noise or vocalization that indicates your pet is peeved. 

According to cat behaviorist Marilyn Krieger, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant in San Francisco (aka The Cat Coach and author of Naughty No More: Change Unwanted Behaviors Through Positive Reinforcement), when your cat hisses it means your pet is on the defensive. And you need to be aware. 

“A hiss is definitely telling you to stay away,” she says. “It’s a distancing behavior. It may be a prelude to aggressive behavior biting.” And hissing can be in reaction to another cat or animal. “If the cat is hissing by the window, there might be another animal outside. Cats can smell a cat outside who has sprayed to mark their territory,” she says. 

Fear is a strong reason for your cat to hiss. You’ve heard of the “fight or flight” response. When a cat is startled or afraid, she may react with a hiss. A hiss may be the precursor to a fight or flight, another way of saying, your cat might be having a bit of an anxiety attack.

Cats have varying levels of comfort with new situations, and even confusion can cause some cats to spit out a hiss in response. This might pop up whenever your cat is meeting a brand new kitty, and doesn’t quite know what to make of them yet.

Hissing might also indicate a physical problem. “If the cat is hissing for no apparent reason, the cat might be in pain,” Kriegar says. If your pet is showing other symptoms of pain, like a hunched posture or unusual hiding, you should probably schedule a visit with your vet.  

What To Do If Your Cat is Hissing

Stand down. The bottom line is this: Your cat isn’t happy. She is on guard and ready for the next step. Just like with snakes, a hissing sound means danger. So, obviously, it’s best to give hissing cats a wide berth.

Hissing is a commonly misinterpreted cat behavior. Cat vocalizations, such as purring, chirping, meowing, growling, yowling, chattering, and, yes, hissing are all tools used for communication. If you’ve wondered why do cats hiss and how to calm a hissing cat, you’ve come to the right place.

Why do cats hiss?

When you witness a cat hissing, with its teeth exposed, it looks like an act of aggression. Cats typically hiss when they are faced with a threat—be it an animal or human they consider to be invading their personal space. “Hissing is more defensive than offensive,” Stephanie Sheen, DVM at Fuzzy Pet Health. “They’re letting the target of their hiss know what weapons they’re working with.” To that end, hissing is often accompanied by showing their sharp and pointy teeth. If the cat is pushed further, they might resort to more physical behavior such as biting or swatting.

Hissing may also occur when the cat feels unsure, annoyed, or in pain. If your cat hisses when certain areas of the body are touched, it could be a sign of discomfort. Older cats may hiss to express discomfort from arthritis. If your cat’s hissing is a new behavior, Dr. Sheen says a visit to the veterinarian is in order. “Medical evaluation should be sought out immediately if hissing is accompanied by other behavioral changes, such as low energy, hiding, or decreased appetite, which can indicate a more serious illness.”

Kittens practice hissing as early as two weeks old, around the time they begin to open their eyes and ears. They often “play hiss” to let their siblings know when things are getting too aggressive, explains Dr. Sheen. Mother cats hiss to set boundaries around acceptable behavior and to express annoyance. “They may also hiss during the weaning process to let the kittens know they are no longer a source of food,” she adds.

When a cat hisses, according to Dr. Sheen, it is quickly exhaling a burst of air through its mouth. This creates a sound similar to a snake’s hiss. Needless to say, the sound of a snake hissing is enough to scare most of us. “There is some thought that this is an imitation behavior adopted by cats, which is common in the animal world,” shares Dr. Sheen.

Hissing is sometimes associated with a cat’s body language, such as pinned back ears, dilated pupils, a flicking tail, and hair standing up. Dr. Sheen explains that these “are all physical responses to the feeling of being unsafe—the fight-or-flight response.”

How do you calm a hissing cat?

Hissing is usually the last-ditch effort a cat makes before getting physical. Even cats with loving parents tend to hiss from time to time, especially when they no longer want to be pet. For example, just because the cat is showing her belly, doesn’t mean it’s an invitation to pet. (That’s actually one of the things pet parents do that cats secretly hate.) “This does not mean they have negative feelings toward their pet parents, but is rather a situational expression of unease,” suggests Dr. Sheen.

Because hissing is rooted in fear, it’s important not to punish the cat verbally or physically. Dr. Sheen advises acting with empathy and understanding the animal’s underlying need to feel safe and respected. That means, most importantly, giving the cat time and space. “Don’t push further physical contact, such as petting, touching, or picking up the cat. It is helpful to also avoid eye contact and allow the cat to retreat to a safe space to calm down,” says Dr. Sheen. Wait for the cat to come to you when she’s ready.

In a situation where the cat is hissing at a stranger or an object, using desensitization and counterconditioning techniques can help the feline. Dr. Sheen recommends giving treats from afar, or putting down tasty canned food nearby, to help associate positivity with the fearful triggers, so the cat can become less afraid over time. “Never force a cat to interact with something they are afraid of.”

How to address cats hissing at each other

If hissing is occurring between cats, separate them immediately, if you are able to do so safely, to avoid injury to the animals in the event of a physical fight. In the case of inter-cat aggression, Dr. Sheen says, “the cat who is doing most of the hissing is likely to be the victim rather than the aggressor. The aggressor cat often shows threatening behaviors like staring or stalking toward the other cat.” A veterinary behaviorist can help manage inter-cat issues with environmental and behavioral medications.

Cats often react to dogs and puppies by hissing when they feel trapped or unable to escape. According to Dr. Sheen, if your household also has canines, it’s key to discourage the dog’s chasing behavior through training and also provide multiple vertical spaces, such as perches or cat trees, for the cat to escape when the need arises. “This will create safe spaces that can prevent an aggressive escalation between the two.”

Sources:

• Stephanie Sheen, DVM at Fuzzy Pet Health

Originally Published: April 25, 2022

Have you ever heard your cat hiss at someone who enters your home or does your cat run off and hide? While it might not make any sense to you, your cat is trying to communicate with you.

When your cat hides, he is doing so to stay safe and warm, and when your cat hisses he is saying, “Back off — this is my personal space.”

Hiding Makes Cats Feel Safe

In the wild, cats hunt alone. They depend on stealth to survive; not only to avoid enemies, but also to hide from prey they want to catch. Cats like warmth and small places help to retain their body heat. Smaller spaces that protect a cat’s back are also easier to defend. However, cats also always want an emergency exit. That’s why your cat loves that new basket you bought or the cardboard box you just unpacked.

Misconceptions About Hissing

Hissing in cats is a commonly misinterpreted behavior. Contrary to popular belief, hissing is not an aggressive behavior, nor is it generally exhibited by an aggressive cat. Hissing is a defensive gesture. It is almost always exhibited by a cat that feels victimized, antagonized, or threatened in some way. Hissing is often a way to avoid a physical confrontation. In cat-to-cat dynamics and inter-cat aggression, the cat that hisses regularly is almost always the victim cat or the one to be chased or antagonized. Hissing is simply an emotional expression of discomfort, fear, or stress. A hissing kitty feels threatened, insecure, and uncomfortable. The common misconception is that the cat that hisses is “teasing” or “taunting” the other cat, dog, or person.

What is Your Cat Saying When He Hisses?

Hissing is simply an expression of emotion; “I’m upset,” “I feel threatened,” “I’m uncomfortable,” or “I’m scared.” Whether your cat is hissing at veterinary staff or a newcomer to the household, your cat is feeling vulnerable, threatened, or insecure. If you try to “correct” or punish your cat for hissing, you will only make a bad or scary situation worse, and make your cat more upset.

What You Should Do When Your Cat Hisses or Hides

• Give him space. Do not try to hold your cat or comfort him.
• Let your cat feel secure. Do not stare at him. Let him hide.
• Give your cat time. Cats may take hours to calm down, not minutes.
• When he is calm, coax your cat out with food and/or catnip. Remember: do not look him directly in the eyes and approach from the side. You are less threatening this way.

Obviously, there are many things that your cat may be upset by or dislike. By being aware that when your kitty hisses, he is feeling afraid, threatened, or uncomfortable, you can change or modify the way you interpret your cat’s behavior or inter-feline dynamics.

Contributed by Dr. Evelyn Richer, DVM and Alana Stevenson, MS