Is it OK that cats hiss when they play?

Unfortunately, playing can sometimes escalate beyond simple 'play'. When this happens, hissing may be heard. An occasional hiss in the middle of a play session is not of concern as this may be indicative of a misread play cue.

Is it bad if cats hiss at each other when playing?

Don't be alarmed; it's normal for cats to hiss at something new or something they don't understand. Hissing is a distance-increasing behavior. Simply put, it's a warning saying, “Please back off, and do not come any closer.”

Why is my cat hissing when he plays?

Your Cat is Overly Excited About Playing

All that built up energy and excitement has to go somewhere and for these cats, it's expelled by hissing. Cats that hiss excitedly while playing are not irritated and will not express body language that indicates that the cat is scared or angry.

Why does my kitten hiss at me when playing?

Hissing Is a Form of Communication

For cats, a hiss or even a growl is part of their communication style. You might think it's the same as physically punching someone—an act of anger. But often, it's more of a warning and a way of saying, "Hey, I'm feeling uncomfortable and vulnerable, so give me some space."

Is my kitten playing or being aggressive?

If your cats flatten their ears, hold their ears back, or puff up their fur or tails, this is a sign that they're fighting, not playing. Defensive, puffy postures and leaning away from each other while hissing with bared teeth are signs that your cats feel threatened and aren't having fun.

Why Do Cats Hiss At Their Owners?

How do you calm a hissing kitten?

If your cat is growling or hissing because he's stressed, then using cat pheromones may help relieve his stress and reassure him. Pheromones come in multiple forms, and they're easy to use. Consider using a spray bottle of pheromones so you can spritz them in the room where your cat happens to be at the time.

How much hissing is normal between cats?

Again, some hissing when they see each other is normal so don't be alarmed. Some light swatting is also common. Separate them if the hissing doesn't die down after 1 or 2 minutes or if there is any sign of threat (swatting with force, chasing, screaming, ears flattened, etc.). Try again when the cats seem to be calm.

Is it normal for cats to play rough?

It's common for kittens and young cats to engage in rough, active play because feline play can consist of mock aggression. Many cats retain this kitten-like behavior well into adulthood. Cats stalk, chase, pounce, swat, kick, scratch and bite each other—all in good fun.

Is cat hissing a reflex?

It's a defensive sound, alongside growling, yowling, and spitting. But unlike other feline vocalizations, hissing is involuntary—a natural reaction when they're frightened, surprised, or experiencing sudden pain or discomfort.

How do you tell if cats are friends or enemies?

Is it OK to play fight with my cat?

Never use your hands as toys.

All it does it teach the kitty that biting and grabbing on human body parts is acceptable. You should also never wrestle with your cat. We're much bigger than them, so wrestling will only make them go on the defense. Use hands to show affection, never for rough housing.

Why do friendly cats hiss at each other?

Why do cats hiss at each other? Cats hiss to signal to other cats they should keep away. In this case, hissing is a threatening cue in a cat's language. After all, our feline friends are well-known territorial companions.

Should I touch a hissing cat?

In the short term, the safest thing to do is back away from a hissing cat to avoid getting scratched or bitten. Here are some steps to follow: Give them space and let them hide so they feel secure. Do not stare at your cat or try to hold them or comfort them.

Why does my cat hiss when happy?

Why Is My Cat Randomly Hissing for No Reason? A cat's hiss is thought to be a form of protective mimicry. That is, it is thought to closely resemble the warning sound of a snake—a warning sound that is meant to dissuade predators. With cats, the posturing and hissing sound is meant to do the same.

Do cats choose to purr or is it a reflex?

Cats observe, develop and adapt their behaviour in a way that produces a response from their owner. However, although meowing and yowling are voluntary actions aimed at getting a reaction, purring is more of an involuntary response by the cat to indicate pleasure or, occasionally, nervousness.

How much play is too much for a cat?

“Generally if your cat walks away, is getting agitated, angry, stressed, too intense or becoming too stimulated, you should stop playing,” says Hartstein. “Several shorter play sessions tend to suit many cats better than one longer one.” Four 10-minute sessions a day is a reasonable guidepost, says Dr. Osborne.

What is normal cat play behavior?

It's common for kittens and young cats to engage in rough, active play because all feline play consists of mock aggression. Cats stalk, chase, sneak, pounce, swat, kick, scratch, ambush, attack and bite each other—all in good fun. If they're playing, it's reciprocal. They change roles frequently.

Should I ignore a hissing cat?

Hissing, growling, scratching, and biting are all ways of your cat saying “I'm uncomfortable or scared.” Ignoring this behavior will not help them feel safer or change the behavior. In fact, when aggression is ignored and the cat is still in the situation, they are likely to escalate their behavior.

Should I pick up a hissing kitten?

If she starts squirming, or if she shows signs of fear (ears pressed flat and back against her head, pupils dilated, hissing, growling) put her down gently. She's not ready to be picked up yet. If she doesn't squirm, hold her to your chest and begin petting her gently.

How do you pick up a hissing cat?

Pick up the cat by the scruff of the neck if it is frightened. If the cat appears aggressive and scared, you can attempt to gently pick it up by the scruff of the neck, supporting its back feet with your other hand. This may calm the cat and allow you to control it.

Should I separate a cat that hisses at a kitten?

Ensure your cats spend time together—The more they spend time together, the sooner they will get used to each other and form a bond. If the hissing starts turning to actual aggression, separate the cats until they calm down, and try again later.

How do you get a hissing cat to trust you?

Why do cats rub against you then bite?

So they want to mark you again with their scent by rubbing, headbutting, licking, or even gently biting you. This allows your cat to reclaim their territory, and it's thought to increase endorphins, which gives them a sense of calm, happiness, and safety.