Cat Hissing, Reasons and How To Stop it

Cat Hissing, Reasons and How To Stop it 

Cats hiss, which sounds like a snake, is a common behavior. We've come to associate this with them being irritated, but did you know that cats hiss for a variety of reasons?

This is how cats hiss

When a cat is threatened, it will release a burst of air through its mouth, which produces a hissing sound. Other cat body language signs such as bared teeth, flattened ears, an arched back, and their fur standing on end are usually associated with this sound (also known as piloerection).

Reasons for cat hissing

When considering why cats hiss, it's important to remember that hissing is perfectly normal behavior that allows your cat to communicate with you. Whereas humans can communicate through speech, cats must rely on their body language to communicate with us and other animals. The following are some of the most common causes of cat hissing:

1.Shots of warning

Cat hissing is, first and foremost, a warning to another person or animal. It's their way of warning them that if they don't back off, they'll be forced to attack – cats, by nature, prefer to avoid conflict at all costs, so consider this a warning shot. When there's another cat on your cat's turf, if a mother cat has kittens to protect, or if the vet is trying to handle them, you might see them do this.

This type of cat hissing is most common in unneutered cats when they're looking for a mate, according to PetsMD.

2. They're in a lot of discomforts.

When a cat is in pain, if you touch a particularly sensitive area of its body, it may hiss. Alternatively, they may not allow you to approach them at all, and the cat hissing may occur every time you try.

3. Unacquaintedness

Cats prefer familiar objects that make them feel secure and at ease. As a result, new objects in their environment – such as a new toy or furniture – can sometimes cause your cat to hiss, as they can make them feel anxious. If this occurs, gradually introduce new items into your home to help them become accustomed to them.

4. Overwhelmed

Cats despise stressors in their environment and are notorious for having trouble coping with stress in the home. They have a fight or flight instinct, and they will usually hiss before attempting to flee or, in some cases, fighting.

5. Harsh play

If you have a young kitten and are wondering why it hisses, it's possible that it's due to rough play. They may hiss as a way of saying "hey, stop that" to another cat or kitten who is playing too rough with them.

6. You are bothering them.

If you're wondering why my cat hisses at me, it's possible that you're bothering them. It's possible that they don't want to be petted at that time, or that you're trying to pick them up when they don't want you to.

If you have small children at home who don't know when to leave a cat alone, this type of cat hissing is quite common; it's best to carefully monitor the time children spend with cats.

how do I get my cat to stop hissing 

• Allow him some breathing room. Do not attempt to comfort or hold your cat.
• Allow your cat to feel safe. Do not fix your gaze on him. Allow him to flee.
• Give your cat some space. Cats can take hours, not minutes, to calm down.
• Coax your cat out with food and/or catnip when he's calm. Remember to approach from the side and avoid looking him in the eyes. This way, you appear to be less of a threat.
• Obviously, your cat may be bothered by a variety of things. You can change or modify the way you interpret your cat's behavior or inter-feline dynamics by being aware that when he hisses, he is afraid, threatened, or uncomfortable.

Is hissing back at your cat a bad thing?

Cats, on the other hand, hiss as a form of communication to indicate that they are in pain or are afraid. When they express their dissatisfaction, they may be feeling threatened. So now you know it's not a good idea to hiss back at your cat.