What Makes Cats Hiss?
City Kitty answers: I'm really a peace-loving, good-natured kitty, so if I'm hissing - something must have scared me. I hiss to try to frighten back the very thing that frightened me first. You'll probably see me crouching, with my back arched and my fur standing straight up, my eyes half shut, ears laid back, tail lashing madly back and forth, fangs bared, and you may even hear me growl. In my "Terminator" persona, I look like one tough dude.
There are several events that will bring out this hissing instinct.
- You just brought home a new kitten, and I'm letting her know who is TOP CAT in this house.
- Another cat is invading my space, and I'm giving fair warning that a fight is about to be started - by me.
- Strangers came into the house. They think I'm precious and want to scoop me up into their arms. I'm saying, "Back off, buddy, OR ELSE."
If you hear me hissing, it would be wise for you get out of my space or you'll be paying the consequences.