How to Get Your Cat to Stop Hissing

Contrary to popular belief, a cat that hisses is not behaving badly or displaying aggression. When a cat hisses, it's because something is wrong--though that may include aggressive instincts. In order to stop a cat from hissing, you must first figure out what's bothering the cat, and then work from there.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Assessing the Situation

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1
Understand why cats hiss. Cats don't usually hiss to show dominance or threaten other animals. They usually hiss when they feel vulnerable, frightened, or in pain.^{[1]XResearch source} However, cats may still hiss out of aggression. Either way, trying to punish a cat for hissing will only make it more upset, and likely to hiss even more.
- When a cat is being aggressive, it is more likely to growl or yowl. Give your cat some space until you figure out why he is hissing.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
2
Recognize the signs of aggression. Though every cat behaves differently, there are some characteristics that will almost always accompany hissing if the behavior is a sign of aggression.
- Swatting or scratching with the front paws.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
- Biting people or other animals.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
- Growling, shrieking, or yowling.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
- Barring teeth and/or claws.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
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Have you moved your cat into a new home or apartment? Have you introduced a new pet to the household? What about a new roommate? Have you changed the arrangement of furniture? Any of these could cause your cat to feel "off," and it's possible your cat's fear or confusion could be expressed through hissing.^{[7]XResearch source}
If your cat is hissing and there haven't been any changes in his environment or his temperament, he may be hissing because he is in pain. Consider taking your cat in for a visit with your veterinarian.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}

Part 2

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Solving Aggression Toward Other Pets

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Whether you've gotten a new pet, or undergone a recent move, your cat will probably need some time to adjust to his new surroundings.
2
Introduce new pets in a controlled environment. It may be a good idea to introduce them in a neutral area outside your home, so that they can become familiarized without either pet feeling intruded upon.
- If bringing a new pet into your home, keep the new pet separate from your current cat(s), and provide the new pet separate food, water, and a litter box. Allow the pets to socialize in your home gradually, over a period of several days to several weeks.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Introduce them first by scent by letting the cats each sleep on a piece of your old clothing that has your scent on it as an intermediary. The next night, swap the clothing over so the cats get a whiff of each other's scent. This "Scent handshake" can smooth over the introduction as they learn about one another.
- Keep an aggressive cat in his carrier during introductions, if he has displayed hissing and other aggressive behavior toward the new pet.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Humans often cannot detect cat scent marks. Use a handheld blacklight, available at any pet store, to look for cat urine stains on walls and furniture.
3
Check your cat for injuries. When cats fight, they often receive wounds that are not obviously visible. Carefully examine the animal by approaching the cat slowly, and gently running your hands over its body looking for tender spots. Your cat will let you know if you've found one, so don't poke or prod. If you find an injury, take the cat to the vet or animal hospital right away.
- Common locations for fighting injuries include the head, chest and legs.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Be very careful, an injured cat will lash out to try to protect itself, and can cause serious injury.
If your male cat is displaying excessive aggression, including hissing, it's possible that he is hyper-territorial. Neutering an aggressive male cat may help correct this behavior and reduce his undesirable aggression.

Part 3

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Solving Aggression Toward Humans

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1
Listen to your cat. If your cat does not like to be petted, or held, or picked up, hissing may be his way of letting you know. Respect his boundaries, and don't handle your cat in a way he is not comfortable with.^{[12]XExpert SourceBrian Bourquin, DVM
VeterinarianExpert Interview. 31 January 2020.}
- Your cat flattening its ears or whisking its tail back and forth quickly can also be signs that it's uncomfortable or scared.^{[13]XExpert SourceBrian Bourquin, DVM
  VeterinarianExpert Interview. 31 January 2020.}
- Always make sure the cat has an escape route to avoid you if she feels threatened. Many cats will hiss when they are cornered, as a sign they're not comfortable with how close you are and would you please go away. Having a quick look around you and making sure the cat has a clear line of sight way to get away of her own accord is likely to ease some of the tension.
It's possible that your cat is hissing at you because he feels threatened by a neighborhood cat or dog that has challenged your cat through the window or screen door. If you believe this to be the case, try keeping the curtains and door closed as much as possible.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
3
Consider whether your cat is afraid of people. It's possible that your cat was physically harmed or neglected by a previous owner, or even by someone who currently interacts with your cat.
- Investigate how other people treat the cat. Is there a chance that someone or something is harming or harassing your cat that you are not aware of? Ask around, and keep a close eye on children who may not know how to treat a cat properly.
- If you are suspicious that someone is harming your cat while you aren't around, consider installing a nanny cam, or setting up a laptop or phone to discreetly film the cat's environment for a few days.

Part 4

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Helping Your Cat Feel Better

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1
Give your cat space and time to calm down. When your cat hisses, back off. It's important that a cat not feel trapped or threatened, so don't corner it in a room. Just leaving a door open a crack so the cat knows it can run if it needs to can help soothe an anxious animal.^{[15]XResearch source}
- When approaching a nervous cat, go slow, and give it ample time to adjust to your presence and your scent.
- Avoid staring at a nervous cat. Cats can interpret staring as a sign of aggression.^{[16]XExpert SourceBrian Bourquin, DVM
  VeterinarianExpert Interview. 31 January 2020.}
- If your cat does run out of the room, don't chase it. That will only increase its anxiety.
- Make sure to warn children and guests to give your cat space, and to not try to force it to be sociable.
2
Remove irritants from your cat's environment. Clean up any cat spray that might be in the home using a specially-formulated cleaner. If a neighbor cat is lurking outside a particular window or sliding glass door, use opaque contact paper or cardboard to cover the window so your cat can't see the intruder.
- If your cat is an indoor animal, you can use cayenne pepper or a specially formulated cat repellent around the perimeter of your yard to try to keep other cats from intruding.^{[17]XResearch source}
3
Provide adequate resources and refuge for the cat. If your cat is stressed out by a new baby or pet, time will often help, but you can further assist your cat by providing him with ample resources and places to hide.
- Make sure the cat has at least one place to perch that will keep him out of reach from any would-be pesterers, like a tall climbing post or kitty shelf. Cats feel safer when they can access higher levels.^{[18]XExpert SourceBrian Bourquin, DVM
  VeterinarianExpert Interview. 31 January 2020.}
- If you have more than one cat, make sure that there are enough litter boxes, food dishes, and water bowls for everyone. Cats are much happier when they don't have to share.
Spend more time playing with your cat, and try introducing new ways to stimulate him. Hide little treats around the house where your cat can find them, and never underestimate the therapeutic power of catnip.
There are a number of products on the market that help soothe stressed cats by releasing soothing pheromones into the air. Check with your vet or local pet store for a specific recommendation. These products can be pricey, but they may be worth it.
If you still can't figure out how what's bothering your cat, or how to fix it, have your pet checked out by the vet. There may be something going on physically with the cat that you can't see, or the vet may have suggestions for medication or other treatments that can help soothe your distressed animal.

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Question
How can I tell when my cat is getting upset or scared?
Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian
Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.
Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
Read your cat's signals. If your cat at any point starts whisking their tail back and forth or flattening their ears, that's a sign that you should back up and give them some space.
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Do cats like to be handled?
Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian
Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.
Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
Cats don't necessarily want to be touched a lot. Some of them will allow it, and with some of them, you just really need to read their signals. Most cats don't like their belly or tail being touched.
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I have two cats that are brothers, who been together since day one. I had to take one to the vet yesterday, and ever since I brought him back, the other hisses every time he sees him. What could be causing this?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
The cat that had his ears cleaned now smells different after being handled at the vet's office, so his brother is confused because he looks the same but doesn't have the scent he should. Put the cat that went to the vet in a separate room for a couple of days so that he picks up the smell of home, and everything should be fine.
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