Your cat’s behavior is cause for concern.
If your cat hisses at you, it means he’s uncomfortable. Although this may unset you, you need to understand why your cat hiss.
Fortunately, you can take steps to resolve its hiss. So, why does my cat hiss at me for the first time?
Cats hiss as a way of warning or scaring other animals and people around them. The way cats hiss is different depending on the cat’s age, gender and the circumstance they were exposed to in the past.
Let’s dive into this problem.
My Cat Hissed At Me For The First Time
Cats hiss at you when they feel threatened or fearful.
This may occur for a variety of reasons, including the following: A stranger was close to your cat and he wanted to warn him of his presence.
You must allow the cat to disperse in the house and feel safe again or he will start hissing more.
This is why it is important to not move or touch the cat too much or you will become more threatening or frightening to him.
Why Is My Cat Suddenly Hissing at Me?
Anxiety
Cats hiss at you when they feel threatened or fearful.
They might be coping with stressful changes like moving house or a new baby in the house.
This might happen if the cat feels threatened in some way.
Whatever the cause, you’ll almost certainly need to give your cat extra attention and calm him down if he hisses a lot.
Cats are unusual in that they purr when they are happy or content, but are often aggressive and protective when they are under threat or frightened.
Even in a cozy environment, it is usual for a cat to “show teeth” when confronted with a strange face, a loud sound or a situation that makes her feel threatened.
You may also practice being as calm as possible when you are around your cat and avoid making him feel uneasy in any way.
The idea is to ease the tension between you rather than increase it, by talking to your cat in a normal voice and remaining calm and collected yourself.
This is how you reassure them that all is well in the world again.
They’re in Pain
If your cat hisses at you or hisses at your feet for no apparent reason, it’s most likely because he’s in pain or he’s suffering some kind of injury that hurts.
Cats are recognized for their ability to conceal suffering, and a cat who is hissing and showing his teeth will most likely continue to do so until he feels safe.
This is another survival trait – cats are instinctively careful when confronting other cats or other animals that they are not familiar with because they might attack and kill them.
Arthritis is one of common reasons cat hiss wn if she hisses a lot.
You may pick up your arthritic cat to attempt to play with her and your cat hisses and claws at you in response.
It is essential to attempt to figure out what is causing the hissing and claws – is it the pain from arthritis or something else.
Need Space
Cats will be angling to keep some distance from their owners, they just don’t want you shoving your face in their face and invading their personal space all the time.
This is when you should back up and give your cat more space – let them have their personal space and things will be okay.
If you don’t, it’s probable your cat will use that space as a way to hiss and push you away – all in self defense.
This is not a pleasant sight to see and it’s possible to mistake this behavior as the cat being angry or mean.
Upset
The major reason a cat hisses is that he or she is upset and feels threatened and defensive of himself.
There are several reasons why a kitten or adult cat may be upset when approached or handled: Your cat may hiss when you came too close.
This might involve feeling uneasy in the owner’s presence, which is very common among cats with shy personalities.
When some cats are scared, they prefer to keep their distance and just observe whatever is going on around them.
This occurs when a cat is ill and isn’t feeling well.
They may hiss in an agitated manner if they feel you are intruding into their personal space or into their territory.
Redirected Aggression
The last probable explanation for hissing is redirected aggression, which occurs when your cat becomes upset or irritated for reasons you can’t control.
This is when your cat may show hisses while guarding his territory or his toys or food bowl, being possessive of them and wanting to have them.
Because they can’t get at the things they want, they might hiss.
Your cat will be unable to capture the prey that he wants or fight you off if you try to steal something from his territory or his toys or food bowl.
What Should I Do When My Cat Hisses at Me?
Your cat may hiss when they are really angry or frustrated about something and they just need you to pay attention to them to assist them.
While your cat does not dislike you, and this is not a friendly gesture, it is also not a reason to be worried or afraid.
When cats are hostile, they hiss, growl, hiss at you and also bite you.
You don’t want to injure your pet.
Take Your Time
Take the time to understand that your cat does not hate you, he just wants your attention or wants you to pay attention to what or who is bothering him.
Something just became too much for your cat to handle.
They’ll be pleasant and affectionate again once you handle the issue or fix the problem that is bothering them.
Allow Time for Your Cat to Cool Off.
This cooling-off time will remind them to relax and calm them down again.
It will also depend on the magnitude and intensity of the problem or situation that is causing your cat to feel this way.
Allow Them to Conceal Themselves.
Allow your cat to also hide in such a way that they feel protected and safe; such as hiding under a bed, at a corner, in a cabinet or closet.
When cats are anxious or threatened, it is instinctive for cats to hide themselves or make sure that they are well-protected and hidden while they try to cool down and calm down again.
Take Away the Things That Cause Your Cat to Threaten You.
Stop whatever you’re telling them to stop doing.
For example, if you’re scolding them or telling them to stop hissing and growling at you.
Take anything else that is clearly causing your kitty to become anxious or scared.
Also Read: Cat Hissing But Friendly
Conclusion
After understanding the reason your cat hisses at you for the first time, take necessary steps to resolve it.
First, keep your cat away from strangers and unfamiliar people. Also, teach your cat that hissing is not a threat by gently petting and hugging him whenever he hisses at you.
Finally, if after trying all these methods the cat still hisses at you, then consult a veterinarian for medication or treatment. Remember to keep the vet appointments and follow up on your cat’s condition regularly.