What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
Hissing can also occur between a male cat that's not neutered and a female cat that's not spayed, both of whom are looking for a potential mate.
But hissing is a commonly misinterpreted behavior. And contrary to popular belief, hissing is not always an aggressive behavior, nor is it generally demonstrated by an aggressive cat.
In fact, hissing in cats is quite normal. The cause, however, cannot always be determined. So, what exactly is your cat saying when it hisses?
Hissing is by and large a defensive gesture. When a cat feels victimized, antagonized, or threatened in any way, hissing is its way of avoiding a physical confrontation, a warning if you like to a potential aggressor to back off.
Similarly, hissing is an audible expression of discomfort, fear, or stress.
Cats are emotional creatures, and they will also hiss when feeling insecure or uncomfortable.
A wary cat out in the open will often hiss at a dog if it wanders too near. However, a frightened feline will usually bolt to safety rather than confront a canine head on.
A cat will always hiss when it feels vulnerable. A typical scenario is when confronted by veterinary staff, or when a stranger enters the household.
Feeling threatened by or being fearful of people very often induces a cat to hiss. In these scenarios, it's best to give kitty plenty of space. Don't try to hold your cat or comfort it.
Likewise, don't stare at a cat when it's in this mood. Facing down a hissing cat will only make it more upset.
What you need to do is make your cat feel secure. Do this by turning away and giving it time to settle. A frightened cat will likely seek sanctuary behind a sofa or under a bed. And that's fine: give it time to relax.
Remember that an anxious or antagonized cat may take hours to calm down rather than a few minutes. Be patient.
Check on your cat's welfare now and again. Call its name. If it still needs persuading, coax the cat out with food and/or catnip.
A cat will also hiss if it's in physical pain or in anticipation of pain.
If your cat begins to hiss on a regular basis for no apparent reason, it's best to book an examination with your vet and get the animal checked out. Frequent hissing can be an indicator of underlying health problems.
Interestingly, cats can vocalize a hiss to suit a given situation. For example, a silent, open-mouth hiss is more a visual sign of unhappiness than aggression.
But a full-on hiss with plenty of spit is tantamount to a battle cry. And if the cat's mouth is wide open to reveal a curled tongue, war is likely to be declared...
We've touched on the reasons why a cat might hiss at people in general, but why does it sometimes hiss at you, its owner?
Cats are smart. They instinctively know when it's time for a checkup at the vet, or a nail trim. They'll run off and hide given half the chance. But when the carrier appears, it's hiss time central.
Having the smell of an unfamiliar cat or dog on you can also provoke hisses of displeasure.
And even altering the layout of your furniture or making changes in the environment can elicit a hiss of disapproval. Cats are creatures of habit and don't take kindly to having their favorite shelf space relocated.
Providing all medical reasons have been ruled out, there are numerous ways you can make your cat feel safe and at ease in their home environment.
Common behaviors associated with hissing include flattened ears and an arched back.
These can include poor appetite and low energy. And if they hiss when you pet them in certain areas, then we are talking about a tender spot or a region of pain. And remember: reclusiveness and a tendency to hide is always a red flag.
Hairs standing on end and a bristling tail are other characteristics that go paw-in-paw with pronounced hissing.
The most common cause of hissing in cats is friction between two unneutered male cats.
A female cat with kittens will protect her offspring fiercely. Mom will hiss at anything and anybody as a way of guarding her babies. Heed the warning.
Kittens sometimes hiss from rough play or when they feel threatened. But fur babies will also hiss in response to a sudden loud noise.
In fact, forcing you cat into a carrier for travel is one of the most common reasons a cat will hiss at its owner. Most felines hate the idea of being caged, and they'll let you know about it big time!
It's important to enrich your cat's life, physically and mentally. Interacting with your furry friend by providing toys, boxes, and cat trees to play with, plus a little catnip to chill out on, makes all the difference.
By decreasing stress and anxiety in your cat, the more inclined it'll be to kiss rather than hiss.
Sources: (PetMD) (Cat Friendly Homes)
But even allowing for these reasons, there are some breeds of cat whose feisty temperament make them more prone to hiss. These include the Siamese, American Wirehair, Bengal, and Scottish Fold.
A hissing cat is often seen as expressing hostility or animosity. But this unique vocalization is far more complex than you think. Did you know, for example, that a cat can change the sound of its hiss based on a given situation? Or that some cat breeds hiss more than others? There are all sorts of reasons why a feline will hiss, but what is it really saying?
Click through, cat lovers, and find out how to interpret this fascinating and often misunderstood cat speak.
Why do cats hiss, and what are they trying to tell us?
Key facts to understand your cat better
LIFESTYLE Pets
A hissing cat is often seen as expressing hostility or animosity. But this unique vocalization is far more complex than you think. Did you know, for example, that a cat can change the sound of its hiss based on a given situation? Or that some cat breeds hiss more than others? There are all sorts of reasons why a feline will hiss, but what is it really saying?
Click through, cat lovers, and find out how to interpret this fascinating and often misunderstood cat speak.