Why cats hiss at other cats

This behavior is mimicry of a scary natural predator that most animals are afraid of -- the snake, according to PetPlace. Snakes are feared by most animals, so imitating this frightening sound is a great way to scare off predators or other animals that your cat fears, without having to get into a physical tussle. Although a hiss sometimes indicates that your kitty is about to attack the newcomer, it's usually just a warning for him to "back off" before she runs off. When a cat hisses at a new cat or kitten, she is expressing a form of territorial aggression.

Your kitty views your home as part of her territory, one that she must defend from any strangers coming into it. Not only does hissing convey aggression, a warning to "stay away," but it also establishes social order between cats. Your cat might hiss at the new kitty to let him know that she is the dominant cat in the house.

This is especially true when a new kitten is introduced; your existing cat will want to establish herself as the older cat to be respected by the new little one. When a resident cat hisses at a new arrival, it's normal behavior and usually nothing to worry about.

Take the introductions slowly. Confine your new kitty for a few days, allowing the cats to smell each other under the door and on towels you rub on them. They should begin to stop hissing at each other's scents. If you make a loud sound, and they run and hide under the bed for three hours, you have instilled far too much fear. If, on the other hand, they think of the interrupter as a game, it is obviously not effective. You have to find just the thing that will make them stop in their tracks, think for a second about what they are doing, and then shift their focus onto an appropriate activity usually an interactive toy.

Some examples of good interrupters are clapping hands, whistling, a noisy plastic bag, or a shake can you can put pennies in an empty soda can, or add nuts or bells to make it extra noisy. Note: Spray bottles are for plants and teach cats nothing. Their use is not recommended. Once you have successfully interrupted the squabble and shifted focus onto something appropriate, lure the new cat back to the safe room and end the session.

The feline ThunderShirt can also be used as an introduction tool. It can be especially helpful if you have a cat who is acting too aggressively or lunging at other cats.

Once they become accustomed to the ThunderShirt, cats can freely move about while wearing it, but it does appear to inhibit their urge to lunge, jump, and even run. The concept of the shirt is similar to swaddling an infant — creating comfort and a calming effect by tightly wrapping them. The ThunderShirt can serve two purposes: 1 having a calming and humbling effect on the aggressor while inhibiting some of their aggressive displays and 2 building confidence in the opposing party by allowing the two cats to spend time together without the threat of attack.

Sometimes we may also need the assistance of psychopharmaceuticals, but we like to exhaust nutraceuticals first. Composure treats, made by Vetri-science, contain the active ingredient L-theanine, the same ingredient that causes green tea to have a calming effect on humans.

Anxitane, made by Virbac Animal Health, contains the same ingredients in tablet form. Finally, there is Zylkene, made by Vetoquinol, a hydrolyzed milk protein derivative known for its calming effects.

Be sure to consult a veterinarian about utilizing these and other medications. When you adopt a new furry friend, a cat is not all that you will be adding to the household.

You will also need more feeding stations, water bowls, scratching posts, beds, and cat condos. Even in a small apartment, you can make enough room for your cats by creating more vertical space. With the techniques described here, you can successfully introduce new cats to existing ones.

Marietta , Georgia , Download PDF Version. Taking your time with a slow, positive introduction process leads to long-term harmony. Two cats touching noses for the first time, a very high form of affection in cat speak!

What Not to Do Before we discuss how to properly introduce cats, we should touch on some techniques that are quite inappropriate but, sadly, often recommended: Do not place the new cat s in a carrier and set them on the living room floor where the existing cats can circle and hiss at them. This is incredibly stressful and makes the new cats feel like prey.

This commonly recommended technique often results in an incredibly negative first encounter. Do not physically restrain the cats with your hands, a harness, leashes, etc. Do not place one cat face-to-face with another cat. Do not just open the carrier and let them go. These techniques are recipes for disaster! DO NOT put the carrier down and allow your cats to circle the new cats like prey.

DO NOT restrain cats with your hands and force them together! One Sense at a Time It is best to introduce cats to each other one sense at a time. Dairy products: cheese, plain yogurt, vanilla ice cream, cream cheese, or milk Cats are lactose intolerant, but a small amount can be a delicious snack that can also serve as a stool softener for seniors. Visual Barrier The next step in introducing a new cat is to create a visual barrier.

Double stacked baby gates, fabric secured to block perception that it can be scaled. Close up of pinning the fabric into door frame with the gates. Cats being introduced with the safety of a baby gate. Two cats positively eating together for the first time. Footsies, the gate ensures it doesn't get out of hand. Introduction in a cage at a clinic using baby gates. Play, food, brushing etc. Seniors often do not require double stacking. There's just too much going on, and she needs everyone to back off for a bit.

When taken outside on a harness for a walk , even the friendliest cat might get overwhelmed by all the sights and sounds. If you reach down to pet your kitty at the wrong time, she might hiss at you, swat, or even bite your hand. If your cat recently had something really scare her, she might hiss at you when things seem normal.

It doesn't mean she's mad at you; it just means she has a lot going on in her head and she's feeling overwhelmed. Don't scold her or yell at her; it will only make things worse. You can also give her a few extra "comfort treats. Your cat's "e-meow-tional" health is just as important as his physical health.

You can use Comfort Zone products to help manage stress and promote a sense of relaxation. If he's the only cat, use the Comfort Zone Calming Diffuser. Use either product in the rooms where your cat spends the most time. You can give him a Comfort Zone Calming Collar to wear instead, so the comforting vapors are with him wherever he goes.

You won't be able to stop a cat from hissing forever. But you can help your kitty feel more comfortable, so hissing becomes rare rather than commonplace. Cats can often gain confidence when they have "high spaces" to call their own.

Try to put cat shelves on your walls and set up cat trees and cat condos in the areas where your cat tends to hiss. She might need an escape route to bolster her sense of safety. You also want to spend more time with your cat one-on-one. Try activities like clicker training , walks outside on a harness, and interactive toys. Put a treat in your hand and get her to chase you around the house. Train her to ring a bell for a treat. The more exercise both mental and physical your cat gets, the more confident she'll feel about handling the little stressful moments life can throw her way.

As unpleasant as it may sound, hissing is just another way your cat communicates. Listen to what she's telling you, figure out the triggers, and find ways to help your cat feel more confident. Over time, you can turn her hissing into purring. Kurtz, Tes. Animal Planet. Germantown Veterinary Clinic. If you're sneezing around your cat or your eyes get really itchy, you might have a cat allergy.

Here's what to do.