Many think the hiss is a sign of a cat's aggressive nature. On the contrary; when a cat hisses, it senses something is off, although hissing is also a sign of aggressive behavior. To stop a cat's hissing, the first thing you have to do is figure out what's bothering him, and that's where we start.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Assessing the Situation
Step 1. Understand why cats hiss
Cats don't "always" hiss to show dominance or threaten other animals. They usually hiss when they feel threatened, frightened, or in pain. However, aggressive cats can also be characterized by their hissing. However, punishing your cat for hissing will only irritate her more, and she will likely hiss even louder.
When a cat is being aggressive, it will growl and roar. Leave your cat until you figure out the cause
Step 2. Recognize signs of aggressive behavior
While every cat behaves differently, there are other things besides hissing that indicate a cat's aggressiveness.
- Shake and claw with its front paws.
- Biting people or other animals.
- Growling or roaring.
- Showing off teeth and/or claws.
Step 3. Look for new changes around you
Have you recently moved house? Have you introduced your cat to the whole family? What about your roommate? Did you change the layout of your furniture? These things can cause your cat to feel "upset," and it's possible that your cat is so scared or confused that she shows it with a hiss.
Step 4. Consider visiting the vet
If your cat continues to hiss even though there are no changes in her surroundings or temperament, she may be hissing because she is in pain. Try to take your cat to the vet.
Part 2 of 4: Stop Cats being Aggressive towards Other Pets
Step 1. Let your cat adapt
Cats will need some time to adjust to their new environment, for example when you bring a new pet home or have just moved house.
Step 2. Introduce other pets in a controlled environment
Introduce them in a quiet setting outside your home, so they can get along well without any pets feeling neglected.
- If you bring a new pet into your home, keep it separate from your cat, and provide separate food, water, and disposal areas. Allow your pets to slowly acclimate to your home over a period of days or weeks.
- Introduce them to your smell first by giving each pet a piece of your clothing and letting them sleep on it. The next night, swap your clothes that you've worn to bed so they can smell each other's scent. This “Scent Handshake” (“Scent Handshake”) can speed up the process of their introduction.
- Keep the aggressive cat in the cage during the introduction process if it hisses or shows other aggressive behavior towards your new pet.
- Humans often can not detect the marks (scent marks) that cats make. Use a special flashlight available at any pet store to look for cat urine stains on your walls and furniture.
Step 3. Check for wounds on your cat's body
When cats fight, they usually get hurt in a hidden part. Examine your cat by slowly approaching him, and gently petting your cat for areas of injury. Your cat will meow when you find the wound, so don't poke too much. If you find any sores, take your cat immediately to a veterinarian or veterinary hospital.
- The parts of your cat's body that are commonly injured in fights are the head, chest, and legs.
- You have to be extra careful because an injured cat will throw a tantrum to protect itself, and this could result in serious injury.
Step 4. Consider neutering or neutering your cat
If your male cat is showing excessive aggression, including hissing, it may be because he is hyper-territorial. Neutering an aggressive male cat can correct bad behavior and reduce unwanted aggression.
Part 3 of 4: Stop Cats being Aggressive towards Humans
Step 1. Listen to your cat
If your cat doesn't like being petted, cuddled, or held, hissing may be a way to let you know. Respect her boundaries, and don't treat your cat in a way she doesn't like.
Always make sure your cat has an opening to escape when she feels threatened. Many cats will hiss when they are cornered. This shows that they are uncomfortable with you being too close, so they want you to stay away. Relax your cat by giving him an opening to evade of his own accord
Step 2. Take precautions against redirected aggression
It's possible that your cat hissed at you because he felt threatened by a neighbor's cat or dog who challenged him through a window or screen door. If you believe this is the reason, try closing all windows and doors as tightly as possible.
Step 3. Consider whether your cat is afraid of humans
Your cat may have been physically hurt or neglected by a previous owner, or someone your cat interacted with.
- Investigate how other people treat your cat. Has someone hurt or harassed your cat without you knowing? Ask around, and keep an eye on children who may not know how to treat a cat properly.
- If you suspect someone has hurt your cat while you're not around, try installing a nanny cam (a type of hidden camera), your laptop, or your cell phone to secretly record your cat's surroundings for a few days.
Part 4 of 4: Help Your Cat Feel Better
Step 1. Give your cat space and time to cool off
When your cat hisses, back off. It's important that your cat doesn't feel trapped and pressured, so don't corner him. Calm your cat by leaving the door slightly ajar to let her know she can escape if needed.
- When approaching an agitated cat, do so slowly, and give him ample time to adjust to your presence and body odor.
- If your cat runs outdoors, don't chase it. It would only make him more anxious.
- Warn children and guests to give your cat space, and don't force her to hang out.
Step 2. Remove distracting things from your cat's environment
Clean all traces of cat urine in the house using a specially formulated cleaner. If a neighbor's cat is lurking through a certain window or glass door, use opaque paper or cardboard to cover the window so your cat can't see the smuggler.
If you have a domestic cat, you can use cayenne pepper or a special cat repellent formula around your yard to prevent other cats from intruding in
Step 3. Prepare a shelter for your cat
If your cat is stressed because of a new baby or pet, it will take time to get used to it. But you can help him by setting up his needs and places to hide.
- Make sure your cat has a high place to sit that will keep her away from things that can stress her out, such as tall climbing posts or cat cabinets.
- If you have more than one cat, make sure you separate their litter box, feeding area, and water container. Cats are happier when they don't have to share.
Step 4. Buy some new toys
Spend more time playing with your cat, and try to introduce new ways to stimulate your cat. Hide small treats around the house where your cat can find them, and never doubt the power of a catnip plant therapist.
Step 5. Try a pheromone spray
There are a number of products on the market to help a stressed cat by releasing calming pheromones into the air. Ask your vet or pet store what pheromone spray is best. These products are a little pricey, but worth trying.
Step 6. Consult your veterinarian
If you still can't figure out what's bothering your cat, or how to fix it, take your cat to the vet. There may be something going on with your cat that you don't know about, or your vet may have suggestions for medication or other measures that can soothe your distressed animal.
