Of all the sounds that cats make, hissing is probably the most unnerving. It’s a little scary and it’s definitely a sign that your cat is not too happy at the moment.
The Makings of a Hiss
A hissing sound is made when a cat forces air over an arched tongue.
Hissing often comes along with body language that makes it clear that kitty isn’t pleased. Hissing cats often become stiff, sometimes flattening their ears and making themselves look small, or hunkering down. This is especially true if they are fearful, explains Jme Thomas, executive director of Motley Zoo Animal Rescue.
“Their tails may lash as a further indication of their feelings,” Thomas says. “Or they may hunch their backs and raise their tails in the typical ‘Halloween’ cat pose, which can be both a confident and territorial response or one of fear.”
What Causes a Cat to Hiss?
There are many reasons that cats hiss and all of them are related to uncomfortable feelings.
“Most cats use this as a defense mechanism when they feel in danger or scared,” says Dr. Sara Ochoa, a small animal and exotic veterinarian in Texas. “Some cats will also hiss at people when they are mad or they want to be left alone. If you are constantly bothering your cat, they may hiss at you to let you know they need some space.”
Cats may also hiss at other unfamiliar animals as a warning for them to stay away, adds Ochoa.
How to Handle a Hissing Cat
Cats often hiss when they are experiencing physical or mental distress, so it’s important to pay attention to your cat’s behavior and note any changes. “If your cat is hissing at you and they never have before, you want to take this as a warning that something may not be right,” says Thomas.
The cause for hissing could be something as simple as a change in environment. “Cats tend to bond to their environments before people, so when things change this can be extremely stressful or upsetting,” says Thomas.
You don’t have to give up your new furniture just because kitty doesn’t like it. However, try to slowly introduce changes around the home and monitor how your cat feels about them. Calming pheromone products can help cats adapt to new changes.
When to See the Vet
If in pain, a cat may hiss when being touched. “This is their way of expressing to you that they are in pain,” Ochoa says.
If you touch your cat in a certain area and they hiss every time, something may be wrong. “If a cat is just annoyed or scared, you can usually give them a little time to themselves and then go back to touching them and everything will be OK,” says Thomas. “If they continue to hiss, it would be time to see the vet.”
If hissing patterns or noises change, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.