Understanding cat hissing: why do cats hiss and how to respond

Updated on 14/06/2024

For many pet parents and sitters, noticing your cat hiss can be concerning, confusing, and even alarming. If you’ve noticed your cat has their whiskers in a twist, it's important to understand the cause of your cat hissing. Asking yourself “why is my cat hissing at me?” will allow you to reduce certain hissing triggers and improve your furball’s overall well-being.

That’s why here - whether you’re preparing to welcoming a cat sitter or you’re going cat sitting yourself, we’re going to help you get to the bottom of those cat hissing sounds. Stick with us as we explore why cat hissing occurs, how to respond to it, and ways to prevent it in the future.

What is cat hissing?

While it may seem worrying, hissing is a natural and instinctive form of communication for cats. This cat hissing sound is a sharp, loud vocalization that's created by expelling air through the mouth. It’s often accompanied by body language such as bared teeth, an arched back, and raised fur. 

What does it mean when a cat hisses?

Cat hissing can serve lots of purposes for our feline friends. However, it’s usually a negative response used as a warning or as a precursor to aggression – basically, they’re telling you to scatter off! That being said, hissing may take place during positive experiences like play from an overstimulated cat.

If the hissing is a warning, your cat may adopt a defensive posture characterized by an arched back, raised fur, flat ears against their head, and their mouth open wide when hissing. Your kitty may also exhibit avoidance behaviors, such as backing away to a safe distance. This warning hiss is them saying "I feel threatened, and I want you to back off."

Hissing as a precursor to aggression looks a bit different. Your cat may display more aggressive body language, such as bared teeth, a swishing or lashing tail, and a more forward and confrontational posture, which may then lead to physical aggression. Noticing your cat’s body language can be a key step in understanding why your cat feels they need to hiss and what it means.

But remember, cat hissing isn't always a sign of aggression or fear, so take a look below for more reasons why cats hiss so that you can understand your kitty better.

Why do cats hiss?

Cat hissing indicates a cat is agitated, annoyed, stressed or feeling playful. Most of the time, it’s a cat’s way of saying ‘back off’.

Cats hiss as a form of communication, which they might display when they’re feeling fearful, defending their territory, or are in pain. Hissing can occur, for example, when your feline friend sees another cat or when a mother cat thinks her kittens are being threatened.

That being said, it’s important to remember that every cat has their own unique personality and reacts differently to various situations. However, here are some common reasons why your kitty may be making a hissing sound.

1. Stress and anxiety

The cat hiss sound can sometimes be due to stress and/or anxiety in your feline friend. Changes in routine or environment can significantly contribute to your fur baby’s heightened state of unease. Our bundles of joy find comfort in familiar surroundings and routines, so disruptions like moving home, introducing a new pet, or changes in daily schedules can induce stress. 

These changes may disrupt a cat's sense of security and trigger anxiety, leading to behaviors such as hissing. Fear and stress are some of the most common reasons your cat’s hissing, but is friendly in nature - the behavior doesn’t always indicate aggression.

2. Pain or discomfort

Hissing in cats can sometimes be an indication of pain or discomfort related to underlying health issues. So, it's important for pet parents and sitters to recognize signs that go beyond typical behavioral reasons for hissing. 

Persistent hissing accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy, changes in appetite, difficulty moving, or altered grooming habits may signify pain. Additionally, vocalizations during specific activities like eating or using the litter box could indicate discomfort. If you notice any of these signs in your furry friend, we strongly recommend you take them for a check-up at the vet.

3. Protecting territory or offspring

Cat hissing can sometimes be one way to mark their territory. As you'll know, cats are territorial animals, and hissing behavior is crucial for both female and male cats to maintain their territory and prevent confrontations with other animals, and prevent an escalation of aggressive behavior. Additionally, mother cats will often hiss to defend their kittens from perceived dangers, signaling to potential threats to keep a distance. 

4. During play or social interactions

Sometimes, cat hissing is no indication of a negative emotion - it can instead be a sign they're having fun. Making a hissing sound during rough play or social interactions for these little predators can be a normal part of their communication, and is different from aggressive or fearful hissing. Playful hissing occurs often accompanied by a relaxed body posture, ears forward, and a wagging tail, indicating excitement rather than fear or aggression. 

5. They’re annoyed or feeling threatened

For our feline friends, a hiss (and growl) can be a way of warning us (or another animal) that they’ve had enough, or feel threatened. So, if you’re playing and your cat hisses at you, it could be a sign to pause your play session.

How to respond to a hissing cat

Responding to a hissing cat calls for a composed and thoughtful approach to ensure both the cat's well-being and the safety of those around them. Here are some suggested steps to navigate the situation:

1. Remain calm and give space

Cat hissing is often a defensive behavior, and reacting with aggression or fear can escalate the situation. Instead, stay calm and composed and respect your cat's need for personal space. 

Avoid approaching or attempting to touch your cat, especially during hissing episodes. Allow them the opportunity to retreat and calm down on their terms.

2. Avoid direct eye contact

In cat language, direct eye contact can be perceived as a threat. Blink slowly to convey a sense of trust, or avert your gaze to reduce tension.

3. Eliminate stressors and create a safe environment

Try to determine the cause of your kitty’s hissing. Whether it's a new environment, a change in routine, or the presence of other pets, identifying and minimizing stressors can help alleviate the cat's anxiety.

Ensure your furball has a secure and quiet space where they can retreat if needed. Provide hiding spots, comfortable bedding, and familiar objects to help your cat feel at ease.

4. Use positive reinforcement

Reinforce positive behaviors with treats or gentle praise when the cat is calm. This helps create positive associations and builds trust over time.

When to seek veterinary care

If your poor pussy cat’s hissing persists or is accompanied by concerning behaviors like changes in appetite or lethargy, speak to your veterinarian as it could indicate an underlying health issue that needs professional attention.

Recommended reading: How to calm down a cat while pet sitting

Preventing hissing behavior

Cat hissing can be reduced or even prevented with care and patience. Ways to prevent hissing often depend on the situation and your kitty’s personality - it's always a good idea to take cat hissing on a case-by-case basis. However, here are a couple of ideas worth exploring to enhance your furr-ever friend’s happiness and sense of security, and reduce their need for hissing:

1. Proper socialization

Introducing your feline friend to various people, environments, and experiences from a young age can help build their confidence and reduce fear. Begin by exposing your kitty to gentle handling, positive interactions with family members, and introducing them to visitors in a calm manner. Gradually expose them to different sounds, smells, and environments, ensuring the experiences are positive and stress-free. 

2. Creating a safe and comfortable environment

To prevent stress-related hissing, ensure your home is a cat-friendly haven. Provide designated areas for your cat to retreat to when they need some alone time, such as cozy beds or hiding spots.

Use vertical spaces like cat trees and shelves, allowing them to observe their surroundings from a vantage point where they feel safe. Maintain a consistent routine for feeding, play, and sleep to establish a sense of predictability. Finally, offering toys and engaging in interactive play can help alleviate stress, keeping your kitty content and less likely to exhibit hissing behavior.

3. Understanding cat body language

A key aspect of preventing hissing behavior is understanding and respecting your cat's communication cues. Watch for signs of discomfort or stress, such as flattened ears, dilated pupils, and a twitching tail.

If your furball shows these signs, give them space and avoid forcing interactions. Similarly, pay attention to positive signals like purring, slow blinking, and relaxed body posture. 

Recommended reading: How do cats communicate with each other? The key to cat language

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

If you’ve any questions about a cat you’re sitting with TrustedHousesitters, you can contact our 24/7 Vet Advice Line. Here, our team of veterinary experts will be able to give you more advice on cats who hiss and other queries.