Is Your Cat Angry or Scared? Here’s Why Cats Hiss

Cats show their feelings with sounds. One very common sound they make is a hiss. A cat hisses to warn others in a threatening situation. The cat is telling the threat to stay away. Cats make this hiss sound when they meet new people but it might also happen if the cat feels pain. Hissing means the cat is not comfortable and needs space.

Fear makes cats feel unsafe. When they are not sure about their surroundings then they hiss to ask to be left alone. Cats are small animals which is why they become easy targets for bigger animals. Hissing is a way for cats to protect themselves without fighting. They just scare the opponent away. Cats also hiss at loud noises or sudden movements. Removing the source of their fear helps the cat feel better.

Hissing is not only about fear. Cats also hiss when they feel angry or annoyed. If a cat is angry then it hisses to warn others. For example, if another animal visits its territory or if a person tries to touch them when they do not like. Angry cats use hissing to keep control and tell others to stay away. An angry hiss is a clear way of saying that they do not want to be bothered. It is ready to fight.
Sometimes it is hard to tell if a cat is angry or scared just by a hiss but closely watching a cat’s body language helps understand that. A scared cat crouches low and tries to hide. An angry cat stands tall or looks stiff. Its fur stands on end and their movement becomes tense.
Knowing the difference helps respond correctly because if a cat is scared then speak softly and give them time to feel safe. If a cat is angry then stay away and let it calm down alone.


If a cat hisses then stay calm and do not shout. Give the cat some space and quiet. Try to find the cause of the hissing and remove it if possible. Do not touch the cat when they hiss because this could make things worse.
Giving a cat a safe place helps them feel comfortable at home. Soft beds, quiet corners and places where the cat hides to help it feel secure. Play with a cat gently and build trust every day. This makes the cat happy and less likely to hiss.

Cats hiss because they want to protect themselves. Hiss is a clear message. It says the cat feels scared, angry or uncomfortable. When a cat’s language is understood by their humans they feel safer and more loved.
When a cat’s feelings are respected and they are given space when needed then the bond grows stronger and the cat feels more relaxed with their owners.

A cat’s hiss is very important. It is how cats talk when they feel scared or angry. Giving the cat space, love and quiet moments makes it trust you more. This way the cat will live happily and the house will have a peaceful pet friend.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it okay to hiss back at a cat?It is a bad idea to hiss back at a cat as they might see it as a challenge.
2. What's the difference between a hiss and a growl?Growling is an indication that a cat feels threatened, frightened or is about to become aggressive. This sound often increases as the cat's fear grows. A hiss is a low, drawn-out sound produced by rapid exhalation of air from the mouth
3. Should I ignore my cat when they meow?No do not ignore a cat when she meows as it makes them feel hurt and they might get depressed.