Cat hissing is a common behavior that resembles the sound made by a snake. We usually associate this behavior with the cat being extremely annoyed, but did you know that there are numerous reasons cats hiss?

We’ve all seen our cats hiss, either from an intruder in the garden or when we tried to pick them up when they weren’t in the mood. As humans, we’ve learned to identify this as a sign that our cats are really angry and not in the mood to be disturbed, but there are other reasons your kitty may be hissing.

If you have a cat that keeps making these snake-like noises, you may be wondering why cats hiss and what you can do about it? We have prepared this  guide to help you discover all the secrets of cat hissing .

How do cats hiss?

When a cat feels threatened, it releases a jet of air through its mouth, which makes a hissing sound. This sound is usually associated with other cat body language cues, such as bared teeth, flattened ears, arched back, and standing up (also known as piloerection).

What does it mean when a cat hisses? 6 reasons why cats hiss

Cat hissing can mean anything from a warning signal to other cats to a sign of pain, stress, anxiety, or just plain annoyance. When considering why cats hiss, it’s important to understand that hissing is a completely normal behavior that helps the cat express itself. While humans can use speech to communicate, cats have to rely on their body language to tell us and other animals how they are feeling. The most common reasons for a cat to hiss are as follows:

1. Warning shots

First, the cat’s hiss is usually a warning to another person or animal. It’s their way of saying they have to move away or they’ll be forced to attack – cats, by their nature, want to avoid confrontation at all costs, so think of this as a warning shot. They may do this when there is another cat in her territory, if a mother cat has kittens to protect, or if the vet is trying to care for them.

Cats hiss not only to tell them to stand back, but also to display their most powerful weapons: their sharp teeth; however, they usually use their claws first, because they don’t have to get close to their opponents. If your cat’s warnings often turn into fights with other cats, read our guide on how to get cats to stop fighting.

2. They suffer

Sometimes, when a cat is in pain, it may hiss if you touch a particularly sensitive spot on its body. Alternatively, he may not let you come near him, and the cat may hiss every time he tries to approach you.

3. Unfamiliarity

Cats love familiar things that make them feel safe and at home. For this reason, sometimes your cat’s hissing can be caused by new items in their environment, such as a new toy or new furniture, which can make your cat anxious. In this case, you need to slowly introduce new items into the house to help him get used to it.

4. Stress yourself

Cats loathe stressors in their environment and are notoriously unable to handle stress well in the home. They possess a fight or flight instinct and usually hiss before trying to flee or, in some cases, before engaging in a fight.

5. Violent play

If you have a young kitten and wonder why kittens hiss, rough play could be the reason. Sometimes, if another cat or kitten plays too rough with them, they may hiss to say, “hey, stop it.”

6. You annoy them

If you’re wondering why my cat is hissing at me, it might be because you’re annoying him. It may be that they don’t want to be petted at that moment or that you are trying to pick them up when they don’t want to.

Why is my cat hissing at me?

This type of cat hissing is also quite common if there are young children in the house who don’t know when to leave the cat alone – it’s best to closely monitor the time children spend with cats.

What should I do if my cat hisses at me?

First, if your cat hisses at you, you need to give him some space if you don’t want him to attack you or show aggressive behavior. You’ll also need to be careful with your cat’s body language at all times – this way you’ll be able to determine how he’s feeling before you pet him and you may avoid hissing at you.

Also, if you have children in the house, you should teach them how to pet and handle a cat, as it is difficult for children to pick up on signs of fear or concern from cats. You also need to make sure you have plenty of hiding places in your home to ensure your cat has somewhere safe to go when he or she is feeling stressed. Igloos, cat trees, and lofty spaces are perfect because they allow them some peace and quiet.

Why Do Cats Blow Each Other?

Cats whistle to signal other cats to stay away. In this case, the hiss is a threat signal in the language of cats. After all, our feline friends are known turf mates. If you’re introducing a new cat to your old feline and the hissing starts immediately, separate them and look for a gradual approach that includes lots of cat treats to create a positive experience for both pets.

Now you know all the potential reasons cats hiss. Want to find out more about your cat’s world? Read  our article “The seven lives of the cat friend: between belief and reality”