Why Do Cats Hiss? Here’s The Answer

You might have seen cats hissing, just like snakes. Do you know why they do that? A cat’s hiss is a form of communication, and they usually make this sound out of fear, discomfort, or aggression. The general sound cats make is a meow. However, a sound of hiss is defensive and serves as a warning from a cat to back off. Understanding why cats hiss can help pet owners and animal lovers to figure out their behavioural tendencies better.

The major reasons behind the cat's hiss is fear. When confronted with something unfamiliar or threatening, like another animal, a loud noise, or even a sudden movement, they respond in reflex action by hissing, as per the PetMD. Therefore, a hiss seems like their way of letting people know, “I feel unsafe”, and the best way is to create distance. It is similar to how humans shout or raise their voices in stressful circumstances.

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Another reason for a cat’s hissing might be pain or illness, like joint problems, injuries, or internal issues. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these little changes in your cat’s behaviour for its betterment.

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