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Common causes -

The most common cause of hissing in cats is friction between two unneutered male cats.

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Hissing match -

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.

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Misinterpreted behavior -

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.

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Normal habit -

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?

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A defensive gesture -

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.

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Fear and discomfort -

Similarly, hissing is an audible expression of discomfort, fear, or stress.

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Emotional response -

Cats are emotional creatures, and they will also hiss when feeling insecure or uncomfortable.

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Vulnerable mood -

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.

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Sounding a warning -

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.

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Threatened by people -

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.

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Look away -

Likewise, don't stare at a cat when it's in this mood. Facing down a hissing cat will only make it more upset.

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Time to settle -

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.

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Be patient -

Remember that an anxious or antagonized cat may take hours to calm down rather than a few minutes. Be patient.

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Welfare check -

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.

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Don't mess with kittens -

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.

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Pain indicator -

A cat will also hiss if it's in physical pain or in anticipation of pain.

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Hissing on a regular basis -

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.

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More potential health problems -

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.

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Hissing kittens -

Kittens sometimes hiss from rough play or when they feel threatened. But fur babies will also hiss in response to a sudden loud noise.

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Interpreting a hiss -

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.

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When hissing means business -

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...

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Physical indicators -

Common behaviors associated with hissing include flattened ears and an arched back.

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Pronounced hissing -

Hairs standing on end and a bristling tail are other characteristics that go paw-in-paw with pronounced hissing.

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Hissing at owners -

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?

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More reasons for hissing -

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.

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The cat carrier hiss -

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!

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Odd odors -

Having the smell of an unfamiliar cat or dog on you can also provoke hisses of displeasure.

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A change of scenery -

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.

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Cat breeds that love to hiss -

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.

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Less of a hiss -

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.

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Interact with your cat -

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.

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Kiss rather than hiss -

By decreasing stress and anxiety in your cat, the more inclined it'll be to kiss rather than hiss.

Sources: (PetMD) (Cat Friendly Homes) 

See also: Amazing cat facts that will leave you in a flap!

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