Cat Hissing: Everything You Need to Know

Cats have an extensive repertoire of vocalizations—at least 12 distinct ones, experts say (1). They practice meowing, growling, purring, trilling, and howling to name a few. Each of these unique cat sounds offers clues into what a cat may be feeling.

Cat hissing is one behavior that indicates fear and acts as a way to warn off others, but it’s also associated with other negative feelings like anger and distrust. It can even signal a health issue. 

Understanding the science behind hissing places you in a better position to decipher cat communication, and ultimately help your cat thrive.  

Cat Hissing: How to Identify the Sound

If you’re a feline parent, chances are you’re already familiar with the cat hissing sound. It’s similar to a snake hiss or the sound of air being released from a car tire as it goes flat, which is precisely what’s happening, says Dr. Sasha Gibbons, an associate veterinarian at Just Cats Veterinary Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut.  “A hiss is made by cats forcing air through their mouth during exhalation,” she explains. 

Hisses are different from other cat noises like the high-pitched chirp, trill, or meow, which are generated in the vocal cords, Gibbons says.

The cat hiss is a powerful burst, says Pam Johnson-Bennett, certified cat behavior consultant and owner of Nashville-based Cat Behavior Associates. “And if you’re close enough to the cat’s face you can actually feel the force of air coming out.” 

Just as voices differ in people, hissing sounds differ in individual cats, says Dr. Lauren Demos, chief veterinary officer of Pettable, a veterinary telemedicine service. 

“Just as everyone has a unique pitch and timbre (tone) to their voice, so do cats, which includes the sound they make when they hiss,” she says. “And the hiss can also vary based on the intensity of the situation-from a silent, open-mouth hiss that is more a visual indication of displeasure, to a full-on ‘spit’ sound.”

Why Do Cats Hiss?

It may be tempting to believe that your cat is hissing for no reason, but it’s generally associated with negative emotions like distrust, anger, annoyance, uncertainty, pain, or a combination of these, says Demos. “Hissing is one of the few sounds that contain little ambiguity: [it means] back off, buddy!”

It’s used as a defensive warning to deter an oncoming opponent, says Bennett. “Experts believe hissing is meant to sound like a hissing snake to scare off attackers. Mimicry is a common survival technique used by animals and insects.”

Why Do Cats Hiss at People? 

Cats hiss at people because that cat feels an immediate threat, says Bennett. “His first instinct is to hiss in the hope that you will back off,” she says. “Hissing at you usually means you’ve moved too quickly toward the cat or he’s unsure about what you’re about to do.” 

Even a cat you share a close bond with might hiss at you, she says. “Hissing is a reaction to an immediate situation and doesn’t mean the cat dislikes you,” Bennett adds.

Humans can unintentionally trigger hissing in a number of ways, says Dr. Liz Stelow, chief of service of clinical behavior service at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at University of California, Davis. 

Some of these, she says, include the following.

• Nail trims and grooming
• Being forced into a carrier for travel
• The pet parent smelling like the neighbor’s dog or cat after playing with it outside
• Vacuuming or using some other scary household appliance

Cats Hissing at a New Kittens or Other Pets

Given that cats base their social structure on available resources, a new pet can be seen as a threat to those resources, says Bennett. “Since cats don’t like to have physical confrontations, they often use the hiss as an initial warning with the hope that no physical fighting will be needed.”

A cat hissing at a new kitten or cat isn’t unusual. “Cats may hiss at new kittens to establish boundaries, generally when the established cat’s boundaries are being pushed,” adds Demos. “A hiss is a quick means to tell the kitten to stop.”

What To Do If Your Cat Is Hissing

Cat hissing is a warning, reminds Demos. “This means you do not want to push the interaction any further—so no touching, no petting, no picking them up,” she says. “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. “If a cat feels there isn’t any choice, that’s when aggressive behavior might be displayed,” she says.  

Additionally, Bennet explains that it’s important to never punish a cat for hissing or you’ll increase your feline’s fear and aggression.

How To Stop a Cat From Hissing

Rewards like toys, treats, or canned food can sometimes help relieve the anxiety and stress associated with cat hissing, says Demos. “Try to do this at a distance, not up close and in the face of any cats involved in the situation,” she says. 

Additionally, if you have a multi-cat household make sure each cat has their own bowls, toys, and space. “Give them separate dishes to eat from, separate toys to play with, and preferably, in separate rooms or at least out of visual range,” adds Demos.

How To Prevent a Cat From Hissing

Bennett says cat hissing often occurs because a pet parent isn’t paying attention to other signals that indicate possible discomfort. “Pay closer attention to your cat’s body language and also, provide choice when it comes to interaction so your cat never feels backed in a corner.”

Examine Deeper Causes of Cat Hissing

A cat who hisses frequently at people or other pets may be very anxious, says Stelow, who is board-certified in veterinary behavior. “This anxiety should be addressed so that the cat feels more comfortable in its environment,” she says. “A visit to the vet or a veterinary behaviorist should be the first stop.”

If cats frequently hiss at each other, it’s possible to improve their relationship with behavior modification. “But owners should be aware that they may never actually get along,” Stelow adds. “Aggression can arise suddenly between cats that have been fine together for months or years.” 

Regardless of the circumstances, excessive hissing is a sign of fear, Stelow says. “This should not be overlooked and a cause and solution should be found.”

8 Helpful Calming Products to Try

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Great Pet Care may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Some cats can become incredibly stressed and employ hissing sounds as a means of communicating. As you now know, it can sound aggressive or scary, but it’s just your cat exhibiting normal feline behavior. Some cats don’t want to be bothered while others may hiss in response to daily stressors. 

Thankfully, there are ways dedicated pet parents can help cats feel calm and less agitated in certain situations. Here are eight of our favorite cat calming products to try in the event your kitty has frequent hissing fits.

FOCL Premium CBD Pet Drops

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(Limited to one use per customer)

Cats are family. That’s why FOCL puts the same care and quality into their CBD oil for pets as they do for their human CBD products…so your pet can enjoy the same soothing benefits. FOCL Premium CBD Pet Drops earned our top spot because the brand adheres to the highest standards. Their CBD oil for cats is vegan, cruelty-free, and made with organic, human-grade, non-GMO ingredients. Plus, unlike many other pet CBD products, it’s THC-free, which means pet parents can feel safe giving it to their cats. Whether you’re looking to calm your hissing kitty or provide a daily dose of comfort and relief, FOCL CBD drops are specially formulated for dogs and cats so they’re easy to administer, and tasty, too. A win-win for everyone in your family.

Highlights

• Available in tasty flavors cats love, like wild salmon and savory chicken
• Dosing choice of 300 mg or 600 mg per bottle
• FOCL’s CBD drops can be given to cats on a daily basis, even multiple doses per day for some cats
• Made with human-grade organic ingredients that are free of THC
• Third-party tested with strict quality control guidelines for safety
• Available in a single bottle, 3-pack, or variety pack

Things to Consider

• FOCL’s basic dosing rule for cats is 1 to 5 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight; you can start with a smaller dose and adjust as needed for your cat
• Additional CBD drops can be dispensed every 8 to 12 hours as needed
• Drops should be placed in your cat’s mouth or added to their food

BATCH by Wisconsin Hemp Scientific 

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The calming support of BATCH CBD oil tincture may be just what your hissing cat needs to help take the edge off. Like people, cats have an endocannabinoid system responsible for the regulation of mood, pain, hunger, and more. BATCH CBD is a calming blend of organic hemp extracts that soothe these receptors without any intoxicating effects. It comes in wild Alaskan salmon or bacon flavors, which make dosing your kitty super simple…and tasty!. CBD specialists and certified chemists formulate every blend at BATCH, so you can be assured to receive the most effective formula for your cat.

Highlights

• Follow the dosing tool based on your cat’s weight on BATCH’s website.
• Contains 100 percent organic hemp grown in Wisconsin
• Third-party tested for safety 
• Can be placed under your cat’s tongue or added to food
• Love it or money back guarantee
• Bacon or salmon flavors that cats love 

Things to Consider

• For best results, use the dosing tool on the Batch website to determine the right dose for your cat
• Dose can be slowly increased a bit at a time until desired effect is achieved

Great Pet Great Calm Relaxation & Calming Chews For Cats 

Pounce on your cat’s instinctive affection for treats and keep her calm at the same time. Great Pet’s Great Calm Relaxation and Calming Chews for Cats are an all-in-one solution to promote a happy, tranquil state of mind. Each delectable chicken chew is packed with ingredients such as chamomile, hemp protein powder, ginger root powder, and more. When combined, your cat is less likely to have a ‘hissy fit’ and more likely to display a calm, serene demeanor.

Highlights

• Generous 60-day supply that does not require refrigeration
• Contains hemp to help your kitty relax while providing joint and nutritional support
• Will not make your cat feel ‘high’
• Can be used daily so cats feel less stressed overall
• Made in the USA with pride

Things to Consider

• Some finicky cats may not care for chicken
• More than one chew per day may be given depending on your cat’s weight (follow labeling instructions)

The Anxious Pet Organic CBD Hemp Oil For Cats 

The spotlight tends to shine on CBD hemp oil for dogs, but cats can benefit from its many supportive mechanisms as well. Not only does The Anxious Pet promote calmness and reduce anxiety-related behavior in cats, but it also supports brain function and immune health. CBD is not an intoxicating substance like high levels of THC, but it is psychoreactive. As a result, The Anxious Pet’s CBD Hemp Oil produces a relaxing and calming effect to reduce kitty’s anxiety level.

Highlights

• Third-party tested for safety. 
• It may also help kitty’s seasonal allergies, skin irritation, and inflammation. 
• Easy-to-dispense dropper ensures the proper dose is given every time.
• Can be given directly in the mouth or placed onto food.
• Most cost-effective product on the market per active mg of CBD.
• Veterinarian formulated. 

Things to Consider

• Dosing depends on the cat’s size and age. 
• May take a period of adjustment to determine the best dose for your cat.
• Best if given with a full meal that contains some fat.

Comfort Zone Multi-Cat Calming Diffuser For Cats

Cats who hiss at each other throughout the day may benefit from a calming diffuser. This drug-free non-invasive way to promote calmness is a staple in many cat households. Comfort Zone’s diffuser is easily plugged into any outlet and covers 650 square feet. The vapor mimics the natural calming pheromones of cats to signal that an area is familiar and safe. 

Highlights

• Safe to use around other animals in the home.
• Diffuser lasts 30 days before a refill is needed.
• Veterinarian recommended. 
• May help reduce aggressive behavior and conflict in multiple cat homes.
• The improved formula releases twice as many pheromones from the previous version.

Things to Consider

• Do not use the new model of Comfort Zone’s diffuser with the original refills.
• If cats roam into multiple rooms, use one diffuser per room.
• Some reviews mention the product lasted three weeks before a refill was required.

Thundershirt for Cats

Another drug-free way to keep your cat calm, prevent stress, and reduce hissing is the Thundershirt. Millions of cats have benefited from this machine-washable, affordable, wearable vest. Whether she hisses, becomes very active at night, or freaks out for veterinary visits, Thundershirt cradles her in calming comfort. The company touts an 80 percent success rate in varying situations to keep kitty relaxed. 

Highlights

• Available in three sizes.
• Applies gentle, constant pressure on your cat’s torso to produce a calming effect.
• Made of a soft, durable, breathable, washable fabric. 
• May help curb other unwanted behaviors like marking, scratching, and excessive meowing.
• Includes a removable collar. 
• Safe for attaching a leash to travel.

Things to Consider

• Some cats may be totally opposed to wearing apparel of any kind.
• Some pet parents report their cat was able to wiggle out of the Thundershirt.
• Supervise your cat’s behavior as she acclimates to the Thundershirt.

Petstages Rainy Day Puzzle and Play Cat Toy

If your cat is acting out or hissing a lot, it may be a sign of boredom or wanting your attention. Rather than giving her a toy to play with on her own, why not engage her curiosity with a feline brain game? Petstages puzzle and cat toy provide mental and physical activity to stimulate your cat’s senses. Feline treat puzzles can be used for daily feeding and to encourage a healthier eating pace. A content cat is a happy cat. 

Highlights

• Made of food-safe materials.
• BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free.
• Pet parents can adjust the level of difficulty to keep cats engaged as they learn.
• No removable parts for safer play.
• Encourages a cat’s natural foraging behavior as they bat and swat. 
• Dishwasher safe.

Things to Consider

• Some pet parents say their cat learned to play the game quickly. 
• You may need to sit with your cat to encourage play. 
• Some cats may get frustrated if treats or food fall into the game’s crevices.

Yogasleep Dohm Classic Sound Machine

Hissing can be a sign of stress. Some cats are very sensitive to sounds such as babies crying, thunderstorms, and traffic noise. Calm her nerves with the Yogasleep Dohm Classic Sound Machine. The machine mimics the sound of blowing air so cats feel a sense of calm from the ambient background noises. Adjust the tone and volume with two speed options depending on your cat’s reaction and needs. 

Highlights

• Assembled in the United States.
• Can be used in stressful situations such as grooming, thunderstorms, or other sound-related events that induce hissing.
• May produce a sounder sleep. 
• Available in several color options. 
• Lightweight but durable, weighing 1.6 pounds.

Things to Consider

• Works without batteries and must be plugged into an electrical outlet.
• Comes with one windy sound, no other sound options are available.

Cat Hissing: When to Worry

A cat who hisses frequently should be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out internal pain or discomfort, says Gibbons. “An animal behaviorist may be consulted if the hissing is determined to be from psychological origin.” 

And of course, this applies to signs of obvious distress. “If your cat appears to be in pain, have an injury, or is at risk of injuring another pet or person in the house, don’t hesitate to seek immediate help,” adds Demos.

Other signs that could indicate that the hissing may be due to a medical problem include the following, according to Gibbons.

• Poor appetite
• Low energy
• Reclusiveness or other changes in behavior

A cat who normally doesn’t hiss, then suddenly starts up may be a cause for concern, says Demos. “The first step is generally to try and get a video whenever it comes to unusual or new behaviors,” she says. “That way you can show your vet to get their specific thoughts on what is happening.”

If you’re in doubt about what the hissing means or you see behavior that’s out of the ordinary, check with your veterinarian, advises Bennett. “Any change in a cat’s behavior or normal routine should be viewed as a potential red flag.”