Why Do Cats Hiss?

Purring. Playing. Hissing. If you live with cats, you’ve most likely experienced all three behaviors — sometimes at the same time. But what does it mean when a cat hisses? Read on to learn more about why cats hiss — and what you can do about it.

What Does Cat Hissing Mean?

A cat hissing doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ready for a fight. Instead, it often means they’re afraid, uncomfortable, or stressed out. You may experience your cat:

• Hissing at the vet
• Hissing around new people
• Hissing at other animals
• Hissing at you

Cats hissing signifies distancing behavior, whether they’re fearful, annoyed, or even hurt.

Why Do Cats Hiss at Each Other?

If you have a multi-cat household, you’ve probably heard the cat hissing sound. It may happen when your cat kids are playing too rough, or when one tries to take over a spot their sibling is already occupying.

New wild child in the house? You might see the new cat hissing at other cats — and most definitely the resident cats hissing at the new cat. While this territorial behavior is a way for them to establish boundaries, there are ways you can make the transition easier for all, like setting up a separate space for them to acclimate (this is also helpful if your cat is hissing at your dog).

When a Cat Hisses at You, What Does It Mean?

Everyone gets annoyed with their loved ones sometimes, and that’s true for our cat kids as well. If your cat is hissing at you, it may be because:

• They don’t want to be picked up or petted at the moment
• You’re trimming their nails
• You’re brushing them
• You’re putting them in the cat carrier
• You’re making a lot of noise, like using the vacuum or blender
• You smell like another cat or dog

Wondering how to get your cat to stop hissing at you? Hint: don’t hiss back, because this could stress them out even more. It’s often as simple as giving them space and letting them come to you when they’re ready.

How to Calm a Hissing Cat

Though hissing may be alarming, it’s usually not something to worry about unless it’s happening frequently. Make sure you have multiple spots for your cat kid to retreat if they need some space, like their own bed or a cat tree. Plug-ins like Feliway release pheromones that can calm stressed-out cat kids or even encourage bonding with one another.

Looking for an all-natural litter that helps create a calmer environment? Try our Harmony™ formula, which includes safe amounts of lavender and bamboo essential oils. The soothing scent helps boost the pet parent–cat kid bond and reduce restlessness — and possibly hissing — in cat kids.