Hissing is a warning that you should leave a cat alone
If a cat has ever hissed at you, it can be quite alarming. They may even bare their teeth, arch their back and puff up their fur to look particularly menacing. But cats don’t hiss to be naughty, and a hiss doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t like you.
Why do cats hiss?
Hissing is a natural behaviour for cats, but it’s a sign that something is wrong. Cats hiss to communicate that they are unhappy.
Before cats hiss, there are usually a few warning signs first. Look out for body language clues that show they’re unhappy using our . If you notice any of these signs, give them space and a chance to run away and hide. Cats will usually only hiss because these warning signs have been missed. The hiss is a last resort to show they are really unhappy.
If your cat is hissing regularly, this is a sign that they are incredibly stressed. You should try to find out the cause of their stress and resolve it as soon as possible.
Reasons why cats hiss
1. They’re scared or feel threatened
The most common reason cats hiss is fear. If they feel scared or threatened, they may hiss as a defensive warning. Hissing is their way of saying ‘back off’. Cats usually prefer to avoid physical confrontation, so the hiss is designed to scare humans and other animals away before this happens.
Common reasons a cat may be scared and hiss are:
- an unfamiliar person or animal in their territory
- sudden movements by a person they are unfamiliar with
- being touched or picked up when they’re not comfortable with it
2. They’re in pain
If your cat hisses when you touch a specific area of their body, it could be a sign that they are in pain. If the area is sensitive, they may hiss to warn you not to touch there again.
3. Maternal aggression
A mother cat may hiss at anyone who gets too close to her kittens. This is a natural behaviour that helps her protect her kittens from anyone who might mean them harm.
Why does my friendly cat hiss at me?
Even if you have a close bond with your cat, they may still hiss at you from time to time. If they are scared, in pain or stressed by something in their environment, they may hiss to encourage you to leave them alone for a while. When cats feel threatened, their bodies enter ‘fight or flight’ mode, a survival instinct that overrides their usual behaviour. In this state, they’re not thinking clearly and are simply trying to protect themselves.
While the situation may not seem serious to you, it can feel overwhelming to your cat. Once they feel secure again, they’ll likely return to their normal, friendly self. That’s why it’s best to give your cat space when they seem distressed.
What should I do if my cat is hissing at me?
- Leave them alone. The first thing you should do if your cat hisses at you is back away and leave them alone. Unlike humans, cats don’t like to be comforted when they’re stressed or frightened. They prefer to be left alone. Don’t be tempted to try and comfort them with petting or cuddling. This will make them more stressed, and they may resort to attacking you if they can’t escape from the situation. Let others in the home know to leave them alone for a while too.
- Give them somewhere to hide. Provide your cat with a few hiding places around the home. Cardboard boxes, under the bed and on top of wardrobes are all good hiding spots. Being able to hide will help your cat escape the situation and calm down. Do not disturb them while they are hiding. Leave them to come out in their own time.
- Don’t punish them. Never punish your cat for hissing. They won’t understand why you are punishing them, and it will only make them more scared or stressed. This could then lead to more hissing and other unwanted behaviours.
- Find out the cause. Try to work out why your cat hissed. Addressing any underlying issues will help prevent them from hissing again. Find out below how to stop a cat from hissing.
