First and foremost, cat hissing is usually a warning to another person or animal. It's their way of telling them to back off or they'll be forced to attack – cats characteristically want to avoid confrontation at all costs, so think of this as a warning shot.
“The most frequent reason is that your cat is not well socialized to people outside the home and is afraid of the new person,” says cat behavior consultant Jennifer Van de Kieft. “Your partner may show up frequently and stay overnight, and the cat has not had time to adjust.”
Cats usually hiss when they are feeling scared or stressed. If your cat is more bonded to you, they might just be less comfortable with another family member, or anxious about them invading their space.
Your cat is a territorial creature of habit and it can be very unsettling and stressful for her to suddenly have someone unfamiliar spending time in the house. In the case of a new boyfriend or girlfriend, people often make the mistake of trying too hard to get kitty to like the new person.
It's All About Perception. Your cat is used to receiving your undivided attention and it is important to ensure that your kitty doesn't feel slighted by your new love interest. If your cat perceives that the new boyfriend is associated with your decreased attention or affection, the introduction isn't likely to go well ...
It was a notion often sneered at by some, but researchers have uncovered evidence confirming what pet owners have always known. Our pets — and other animals — can become jealous and act just as fiercely as we humans do when we're concerned someone is moving into the heart or our significant others.
Fear is the most common reason for aggression even to familiar people, followed by play and petting-induced aggression. Handling issues are also common. Many cats are naturally reluctant to being picked up or having their bodies touched or manipulated.
You are certainly not alone in your struggle with a cat that is afraid of or aggressive toward one person, and this behavior is often a reaction to stress. Your cat may have been frightened by your guest or your guest may play too roughly with him, for example, causing stress and the aggressive behavior.
It's me or the cat. Cats are prone to jealousy, which may be why they sometimes attack their owners' husbands. So who is a woman to choose — her husband or her cat?
First and foremost, cat hissing is usually a warning to another person or animal. It's their way of telling them to back off or they'll be forced to attack – cats characteristically want to avoid confrontation at all costs, so think of this as a warning shot.
There's a reason for this too. Cats hiss at people because they feel intimidated or don't recognize the person's smells. They might even pick up the smell of another animal on your friend!
Like people, cats have different personality traits. One of those happens to be jealousy—or, at least, what looks like jealousy. In fact, hissing, swatting, scratching, or spraying can all be ways that cats will attempt to control their environment.
What Cat Love Bites Are and Aren't. Don't confuse cat love bites—also referred to as petting-induced aggression—with the type of overly-aggressive biting associated with fear, defensiveness or acting territorially. Cat love bites don't typically break skin.
In a multi-human household, it seems that cats will choose one family member they want to spend more of their time with. According to a study done by the nutrition company, Canadae, they discovered that the person who makes the most effort is the favorite.
Cats have excellent long term memories. Unhappy or traumatic events with men in the past can formulate fear or rage against them. On the other hand, if a cat has never been socialized with men, the cat may find men threatening and uncomfortably strange.
Some cats become intimidated by the actions or demeanor of certain individuals. The energy level of a guest can have surprising effects on a cat's environment. If a guest is loud and boisterous, your cat might feel threatened by their presence.
Poor nutrition - Nutritional deficiencies can also cause clinginess in cats. Cats who do not eat a balanced diet may be more likely to experience behavioral problems such as anxiety and aggression.
Changes such as new animals, new people, major renovations may trigger territorial aggression. Cats may mark their territory by spraying, rubbing their chin on furniture or areas surrounding, and patrolling. Offenders may be chased off or swatting, vocalization and aggressive behavior may be exhibited.
So take it easy and work on a slow and gradual introduction. Cats certainly appreciate those that respect their turf and most cats will respond better on their own schedule. It's a good idea to allow the cat to get to know the boyfriend, not the other way around.
All of the experts agreed that if your cat is hissing at you, then they're definitely upset. If a full-grown cat is hissing, it's a surefire sign they're unhappy and potentially feeling threatened. But Nagelschneider noted that hissing, growling, and swatting are all normal behaviors in kittens as they try to develop.
Cats are often stereotyped as standoffish and aloof, even to the people who love them most, but the truth is that cats can be just as protective of their people as dogs are of theirs. Put simply, cats love their family and their family loves them right back.