Why do cats hiss when you pet them?

Hissing is simply an emotional expression of discomfort, fear, or stress. A hissing kitty feels threatened, insecure, and uncomfortable. The common misconception is that the cat that hisses is “teasing” or “taunting” the other cat, dog, or person.
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Why does my cat hiss when I pet her?

When cats display aggression when touched or petted, it can stem from many different motivations. The most common include: Fear/defense: A fearful cat may exhibit dilated pupils, ears turning back, or a twitching tail. In this situation, your cat may growl, hiss or swat at the person reaching, touching or petting.
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Do cats hiss when they're happy?

Most often cats will start hissing at you because they are annoyed and are trying to tell you to back off. However, a hissing cat could also be telling you that they are in pain and need your help. So if you're petting them or lifting them when the hissing sound starts, check to see if they have any signs of injury.
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Should you pet a hissing cat?

Cat hissing is a warning, reminds Demos. “This means you do not want to push the interaction any further—so no touching, no petting, no picking them up,” she says. “Generally, hissing is the last warning you will get prior to physical contact such as a swat, or a bite.
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Why does my cat love me then hiss at me?

When you are petting your cat and she suddenly bites, scratches, or hisses at you, she is likely exhibiting petting-induced aggression.
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Why Cats Hiss | Cat Care



Why does my cat sit on my lap and then bite me?

Some kitty lovers call this a 'love bite', others call it petting aggression. It's a controversial subject but it's believed that if your cat suddenly bites you for no apparent reason, it could be because they are being overstimulated by the constant stroking - which you thought they were enjoying!
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Why does my cat rub his face on me then bite me?

This could be because your cat has been trained to regard body parts as toys. As with any feline aggression, it may be due to the cat not being spayed or neutered. Some cats are being playful when they bite, while others are showing fear or hostility.
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How do you calm a hissing cat?

What You Should Do When Your Cat Hisses or Hides
  1. Give him space. Do not try to hold your cat or comfort him.
  2. Let your cat feel secure. Do not stare at him. ...
  3. Give your cat time. Cats may take hours to calm down, not minutes.
  4. When he is calm, coax your cat out with food and/or catnip.
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How do you gain a cat's trust?

Steps to Gaining Your Scared Cat's Trust
  1. Stick to a routine with your cat. ...
  2. Minimize noise and other stressors. ...
  3. Use a soft, reassuring tone of voice. ...
  4. Give your cat their own space. ...
  5. If your cat reacts by running away, that's okay. ...
  6. Play with them often. ...
  7. Learn more about feline body language.
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Why does my cat hiss at me when I pick him up?

Hissing is believed to be a defensive instinct. It serves as a warning, letting subjects know that if they don't stop what they're doing, the cat may lash out at them.
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Can cat hissing be playful?

They will rarely hiss while playing. If you hear your cat hissing, it's highly unlikely that they're in a playful mood and are best left alone, and if you hear your cats hissing while they're playing with another cat, there may soon be a fight on your hands, and you'll need to step in as quickly as possible.
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Why did my cat hiss at me for no reason?

Cats hiss at people because they feel intimidated or don't recognize the person's smells. They might even pick up the smell of another animal on your friend! If this happens, tell your friend not to approach your cat or try to pet her. The best action is to ignore your cat.
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Do cats get mad at you?

Remember, while it's totally normal for your cat to get annoyed with you from time to time (you are roommates/best friends/confidants, after all), if it's happening frequently then it's good to do some sleuthing and try to get to the bottom of why they're feeling this way often.
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Why does my cat cuddle me and then hiss?

Your cat might hiss at you because they're annoyed with you. They may not want to be petted right then, or it may be because you're trying to pick them up when they don't want you to. This type of hissing is also common if you have small children at home who don't know when to leave the cat alone.
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Why do cats purr and then hiss?

Cats purr whenever they're happy, even while they're eating. Sometimes, however, a cat may purr when they're anxious or sick, using their purr to comfort themselves, like a child sucking their thumb. Growling, hissing or spitting indicates a cat who is annoyed, frightened, angry or aggressive.
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How do you tell if a cat likes you?

Here are a few behaviors that show a cat really likes you.
  1. Your cat headbutts you out of love. ...
  2. Its tail is always twitching at the tip or curled around your leg. ...
  3. It shows you its tummy. ...
  4. Purring means your cat is happy in your presence. ...
  5. Your cat brings you "gifts." ...
  6. Your cat nibbles you a lot. ...
  7. It gurgles all the time.
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Can you make a cat more cuddly?

When petting your cat, make sure not to overdo it. That full-body stroke that most dogs love can overstimulate a cat. Instead, try holding your finger out for the cat to rub against you. Letting a cat come to you is the surest, safest way to gain a cat's affection and help a skittish cat feel more comfortable.
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What do cats love the most?

Cats love sleeping and napping.
  • Cats love grooming themselves and being groomed. ...
  • Cats love a clean and private bathroom space. ...
  • Cats love — and need — to scratch. ...
  • Cats love high places for watching and hiding. ...
  • Cats love a stimulating environment. ...
  • Cats love their humans.
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How long does a cat hold a grudge?

So, even if a cat can hold a grudge, the grudge shouldn't last for more than a few hours at best. Cats are extremely forgiving animals and will forgive you in a matter of minutes if you make an invitation to friendship.
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How do I make my mean cat nice?

Avoid situations that you know make a cat aggressive. Separate cats that act aggressively toward each other and reintroduce slowly with positive reinforcement, as described in the Territorial Aggression section. Food treats are excellent positive enforcers of non-aggressive behavior.
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Is a cat growling worse than hissing?

Cat Growling

Cats may growl if they are feeling frightened or trying to deter a threat. While hissing is more common, it may be accompanied by a growl, which just adds to the threatening appearance of the cat.
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Why does a cat follow you to the bathroom?

Your Cat Loves You

The bathroom is full of the smells of you: your cat's favorite human! You spend time there doing important things, or at least it may seem that way to your cat. Your cat may be intrigued by watching you do all the little things humans do in there.
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Why do cats raise their butts?

The most likely reason your cat raises its butt when you scratch the base of its tail is that it enjoys it. Raising the butt can help bring the nerves closer to the surface, making the target easier to hit. Cats also tend to stand still when they do this, so you don't need to chase after them.
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Do cats understand kisses?

If you kiss a cat, even if she doesn't understand the traditional definition of the action, she will likely appreciate the gesture and feel loved. Human touch goes a long way with cats. Felines often adore attention and interaction -- although there are always grouchy exceptions, of course.
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How do cats choose who to sleep with?

They crave warm and cozy spots, so if your bed is something they find comfortable, they'll likely choose you to snuggle with. The one who makes them feel safe. Cats are particular about where they sleep, ensuring it's safe and secure.
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