Why Do Cats Hiss

Cats are known for their unique ways of expressing themselves, and one of the most notable behaviors is hissing. But why do cats hiss? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this behavior, its significance in feline communication, and what cat owners can do to address it.

Understanding Cat Hissing

What is Hissing?

Hissing is a vocalization that resembles a snake's sound. It usually indicates discomfort, fear, or aggression. Cats use this sound as a warning to others, signaling that they feel threatened and want to be left alone.

Types of Hissing

1. Defensive Hissing: This occurs when a cat feels cornered or threatened. It's a way for them to protect themselves.
2. Agonistic Hissing: This is displayed during aggressive interactions, either with other animals or humans.
3. Fear-Induced Hissing: A scared cat may hiss in response to a perceived threat, even if it's not directly harmful.

Why Do Cats Hiss?

A cat's sudden hissing can be due to a number of reasons, here are some common causes and their detailed explanations.

1. Encroachment on territory

When a cat feels that its territory is threatened, it becomes alert and warns the intruder away by hissing. This behavior is the cat's instinctive response to protect its territory. For example, when another animal or stranger enters what the cat believes to be its territory, it may arch its back and hiss as a deterrent. If the other person does not leave, the cat may take further aggressive behavior.

2. Protecting the cubs

Mother cats have a strong natural instinct to protect their cubs. When they feel their cubs are threatened, they will hiss to warn of potential danger. This behavior is to protect the cubs from harm. For example, when someone approaches the mother cat's cubs, the mother cat may hiss and may even take aggressive behavior to protect the cubs.

3. Encountering something that scares them

Cats hiss to self-protect when confronted with objects or sounds that frighten them. This behavior is a defense mechanism for cats when faced with a potential threat. For example, when a cat sees an unfamiliar animal or hears a sudden loud noise, it may hiss in an attempt to scare off the potential threat in this way.

4. Bad mood

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Cats sometimes hiss because they are in a foul mood. This behavior may be an expression of dissatisfaction or displeasure on the part of the cat. For example, when a cat feels uncomfortable or unhappy, it may hiss to express its emotions. In this case, the owner should provide a quiet environment for the cat so that it can calm down.

5. Uncomfortable being touched

When the cat is physically uncomfortable, it may resent the owner's touch and hiss to warn the owner not to touch it. This behavior is a self-protection mechanism for cats when they are not feeling well. For example, when the cat is sick or injured, it may resent the owner's touch and hiss to express its discomfort.

6. Oestrus

Unneutered adult cats will make special purring sounds to attract the opposite sex during the estrous period. This behavior is a natural reaction of cats in estrus. For example, female cats will make high-pitched purring to attract male cats during estrus, while male cats will search for female cats by purring. If the owner does not intend to allow the cat to breed, it is recommended that the cat be spayed or neutered before the first heat to avoid unwanted behavioral problems.

Related: How to Pick Up Cat After Spaying

7. Hunger or thirst

Cats will purr when they are hungry or thirsty to remind their owners to provide food or water. This behavior is the cat expressing its basic needs. For example, when the cat's food or water bowl is empty, it may purr to remind the owner to replenish food or water.

8. Physical discomfort or pain

Cats will purr to express their discomfort when they are in physical discomfort or pain. This behavior is a cry for help when the cat has a physical problem. For example, when a cat is injured or sick, it may purr to get its owner's attention and seek help.

Also Read: What Does It Mean When A Cat Purrs

What to Do To Relieve Cat's Sudden Hissing Problem?

Here are some ways to alleviate the problem of sudden hissing in cats:

I. Meet basic physiological needs

• Food and water supply

Ensure that the cat's food and water bowls always have sufficient food and clean water. If the cat hisses because of hunger or thirst, timely provision of food and water will solve the problem. For the choice of food, select the appropriate cat food or canned cat food according to the cat's age, health condition and taste preference.

• Cat Litter Box Maintenance

Keep the cat litter box clean. If the litter box is too dirty, your cat may hiss out of discomfort. Clean the litter box at least once a day and replace the litter regularly.

II. Creating a comfortable environment

• Temperature and space

Provide a suitable temperature environment for cats. Generally speaking, cats like warm places and can be provided with a warm litter, such as one with a heating pad (during cold weather). At the same time, make sure the cat has enough space to move around to avoid it feeling confined.

• Quietness and privacy

Reduce noise disturbances in the environment and set up the cat's resting area in a relatively quiet place. In addition, provide the cat with places where it can hide itself, such as a cardboard box or a covered litter, to fulfill its need for privacy.

III. Attention to health condition

• Physical examination

If the cat's hissing persists and is accompanied by other abnormal symptoms, such as loss of spirit, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, take it to the veterinarian promptly. The veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive physical examination, including checking vital signs such as temperature, heartbeat and breathing, as well as conducting necessary laboratory tests.

• Prevention of Diseases and Parasites

Deworm and vaccinate your cat regularly to prevent common diseases and parasitic infections. This helps keep your cat healthy and reduces the likelihood of hissing due to discomfort.

Also Read: Coccidia in Cats: Understanding the Tiny Yet Troublesome Parasites

IV. Give emotional companionship

• Interactive play

Arrange a certain amount of time every day to interact and play with your cat, using cat toys such as cat teasers and small balls. The playing time can depend on the cat's energy, usually 15 - 30 minutes. This not only burns the cat's energy, but also enhances the emotional connection with the cat.

• Petting and soothing

When your cat hisses, gently stroke his head, chin or back. These are the areas that cats prefer to be petted. Gentle petting can make your cat feel relaxed and reassured.

What Should I Give My Cat When She Hisses?

1. Confirm the cause of hissing

Hunger or thirst: If the cat hisses because she is hungry or thirsty, offer fresh food and water. Make sure the quality and quantity of food and water are appropriate for the cat's age and health condition.

Heat: If the cat is in heat, it may show restlessness and hissing. In this case, consider providing the cat with special food, such as cat food that is high in protein and fat, to help the cat maintain its strength and health. Also, consider providing the cat with some toys or activities to distract the cat and reduce the frequency of hissing.

Sickness or Emotional Disturbance: If the cat hisses because it is sick or emotionally disturbed, the cat needs to be taken to the veterinarian promptly for examination and treatment. While waiting to see the veterinarian, you can provide the cat with some warm, comfortable environment and some soothing food, such as chicken and fish.

2. Provide appropriate food

Cat food: Cat food is the main source of food for cats and should be chosen to suit the age and health condition of the cat. Generally speaking, young cats need higher protein and fat content, while older cats need lower protein and fat content. You can also choose cat food with special ingredients, such as those containing probiotics and fish oil, to help keep your cat healthy.

Wet food: Wet food is a type of cat food with a higher water content for those cats that don't like to drink water. Wet food provides more moisture and nutrients, while also helping to keep your cat's mouth healthy.

Snacks: Snacks can be used as a reward or soothing food for cats, but you should choose cat-friendly snacks such as chicken, fish and cat grass. Attention should also be paid to controlling the intake of snacks so as not to affect the cat's health.

Pay attention to dietary taboos

Onions: Onions contain a substance called N-propyl thiosulfinate, which destroys red blood cells in cats and leads to anemia. Therefore, you should avoid feeding onions or food containing onions to your cat.
Chocolate: Chocolate contains ingredients such as theobromine and caffeine, which can cause damage to the nervous system and heart of cats. Therefore, you should avoid feeding your cat chocolate or food containing chocolate.
Milk: Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, so you should avoid feeding your cat milk or foods containing milk. Dairy products specifically designed for cats, such as cat milk or cat milk powder, can be chosen.

FAQs

Conclusion

Understanding why cats hiss is essential for any cat owner. This behavior is a vital form of communication, indicating fear, territoriality, pain, or playfulness. By recognizing the reasons behind hissing and responding appropriately, you can create a more harmonious environment for your feline friend. Always pay attention to your cat's body language and consult a veterinarian if you notice persistent signs of distress.