Growling, hissing or spitting indicates a cat who is annoyed, frightened, angry or aggressive. Leave this cat alone. A yowl or howl (they sound like loud, drawn-out meows) tells you your cat is in some kind of distress—stuck in a closet, looking for you or in pain. Find your cat if they're making this noise.
Defensive Aggression: Fear and anxiety are the main causes for defensive aggression. Unlike offensive aggression, the cat's body is lower to the ground indicating fear. The cat may also hiss or spit.
Most often cats will start hissing at you because they are annoyed and are trying to tell you to back off. However, a hissing cat could also be telling you that they are in pain and need your help. So if you're petting them or lifting them when the hissing sound starts, check to see if they have any signs of injury.
When a cat hisses, he opens his mouth halfway, drawing back the upper lip and wrinkling the face. As he does this, he expels his breath so hard that, if you were close enough, you could feel the jet of air. The moisture he releases with this gusty breath is what's called spitting.
Hissing is a natural reaction to a situation; it's not something that your cat thinks about doing. It doesn't mean your cat dislikes you or that your cat is aggressive. It's a warning that your cat may have to resort to aggression if the perceived threat doesn't back off.
Hissing, growling, scratching, and biting are all ways of your cat saying “I'm uncomfortable or scared.” Ignoring this behavior will not help them feel safer or change the behavior. In fact, when aggression is ignored and the cat is still in the situation, they are likely to escalate their behavior.
Do not punish your cat for this behavior problem. Never yell at or hit your cats as this will not help and will only make your cat fear you or become even more aggressive. Instead, consult with a professional.
Hissing at your cat is going to make the situation worse.” The best thing to do when a cat hisses is to back away and give them the space they're asking for. Rather than petting your cat or picking them up, talk in a low, soothing voice.
Unfortunately, playing can sometimes escalate beyond simple 'play'. When this happens, hissing may be heard. An occasional hiss in the middle of a play session is not of concern as this may be indicative of a misread play cue.
Did you know that cat hissing is an involuntary reflex? Cats hiss when they feel threatened or scared, but it's not something they consciously decide to do.
Species appropriate punishment such as “hissing” or the use of punishment devices such as a water sprayer, can of compressed air, or hand held alarm are better than using any physical techniques since they are less likely to lead to fear and retaliation.
Swatting is a predatory behavior that's often shown while playing — especially with toys. Kittens are usually rougher when swatting because older cats know how to hide their claws. If you use your hands while playing with your cats, they may think of them as toys.
There is no definitive answer as to how long your cat will do this. For many cats, minor misdemeanors seem to fall in the short-term memory category so it is likely all will be forgiven within a few hours to days. Kittens have a relatively short memory and can appear to be more forgiving than older cats.
It's normal for cats to drool while kneading or purring—they're just so relaxed. You may see some saliva or spit bubbles on the side of your cat's mouth when they're stressed or afraid.
Kittens practice hissing as early as two weeks old, around the time they begin to open their eyes and ears. They often “play hiss” to let their siblings know when things are getting too aggressive, explains Dr. Sheen. Mother cats hiss to set boundaries around acceptable behavior and to express annoyance.
Contrary to popular belief, hissing is not an aggressive behavior, nor is it generally exhibited by an aggressive cat. Hissing is a defensive gesture. It is almost always exhibited by a cat that feels victimized, antagonized, or threatened in some way. Hissing is often a way to avoid a physical confrontation.
Your cat hisses to communicate that they do not want to be bothered. Some cats may simply hiss because they want you or another human member of the family to leave them alone and let them have their space, and they may also hiss at other pets in a similar way.
Hissing and Vocalization
The sounds your cats make during play can tell you much about whether it's turning too rough. Hissing, growling, and screaming are the definitive clues that your cat is saying, “back off” to their brother or sister cat companion. Most cats don't vocalize when they are playing and having fun.
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! If this happens, tell your friend not to approach your cat or try to pet her. The best action is to ignore your cat.
Signs Of Obvious Distress
Cats are typically very stoic animals, so if your cat suddenly seems to be in distress, it is a cause for concern. Howling, crying, hiding, and otherwise acting in a way that is out of character for your pet should alert you that something may be seriously wrong.
“Generally, hissing is the last warning you will get prior to physical contact such as a swat, or a bite. So find ways to de-escalate the situation. Stop making direct eye contact, back away, don't try and touch or pet this cat.” Bennett recommends giving the cat time to settle down, and providing an escape option.
Cats Aren't Mind ReadersF
Scolding might make sense to you, but that doesn't mean it does for your cat. In fact, pets often have no idea what just happened or why you're yelling at them.
A cat can be aggressive for many reasons, including pain or illness, fear, stress, or overstimulation. If your cat is lashing out, check in with your vet first, particularly if the aggression is a new behavior. The cause can be medical, so your vet will first look for a health issue.
Sound: Blow a whistle or fog horn, ring a bell, or toss a penny can (empty soda can with 5-6 pennies inside) in your cat's direction to startle him just as he is about to engage in the unwanted behavior. Remember, you should not say a word — the startling noise should come out of nowhere.