Hissing Cat

[smoothlyez]

My black cat will hiss at anyone that walks through our door. If a stranger attempts to pet her she will go into defensive mode and attack. She never ever hisses at me but she will hiss at my son. I find that strange because he is responsible for feeding and cleaning her litter. I tell you she really doesn't like other people other than my son and I. Is this normal for a cat?

Apparently she was adopted twice and returned because of her aggressive behaviour. I guess they didn't want a third return so they asked me if I had any other pets in the house. With me and my son she is a little princess, she loves to be petted and rubbed and kissed. Enter a stranger and she goes balistic. My nephews are frightened of her and I have to lock her up in a room when they are over. She will purposfully be aggressive towards them. She doesn't have front claws but she has sharp teeth.

[Medusa]

This made me chuckle because my RB Puddy was a hisser, so much so that when she became ill w/CRF, I told my vet that I wanted her hiss back. She was a beautiful 5 lb. calico that looked harmless but that look was deceiving. A couple came by once and brought their little girl and I forewarned everyone that all my cats could be petted except her. Of course, the little girl didn't listen and Puddy wrapped herself around the little girl's ankle and dug in w/teeth and claws. As long as everyone left Puddy alone, she left them alone but if you came too close, she'd hiss. That's their warning mechanism telling you to back off. As Puddy grew older, she didn't hiss as much, especially when she became ill. I guess it just took too much effort so when I did hear a hiss, I knew she meant it. It may just be part of your cat's personality and she may let up on it a little as she ages but don't count on it. LOL Good luck.

Btw, welcome to Pet Talk!

[lene]

I would think she is a bit insecure about her space. Cats mark their territories, and these "strangers" may be a threat to her. Some cats are just higher strung than others. They aren't different from any animals here, humans included. Some need more space than others, and some are more protective of their living space than others.

Cats have good memories, and it may be that something has happened in the past that she remembers and acting out. Cats can be trained, but not in the same way as dogs. You may want to try to parade a lot of strangers in front of her until she realises it's nothing to worry about, that her food, drink and toys are safe.

Good luck!

[kb2yjx]

My Miss BooBoo Kitty had 4 previous homes before she became my very first cat!!! She was hisser and a biter!!! Like Mary's cat, Boo mellowed with age. However, when her time had come to go to the Bridge, she gave a MAJOR hiss as the vet was putting the needle in her vein to help her to go to sleep. That was so Boo!!! Good luck with you feisty guard kitty!

[moosmom]

A hissing cat just MIGHT be sick and that's how she's trying to tell you, too.

[mruffruff]

It sounds like your cat is afraid. She was declawed and has no defense if she is hurt, so she hisses to keep danger away. Be patient and give her a lot of opportunities to see that no one will hurt her. In time she may calm down.

But I wouldn't count on it.

[smoothlyez]

Reply to moosmom:
How stupid do you think I am. There is nothing physically wrong with her. She has been hissing all the time that I've known her. The vet said she is fine.
Why don't you read before you mouth off. I hate stupid people!!!!!

[smoothlyez]

She was hissing when she had claws. I believe that she suffered some abuse before I adopted her from the pound.

[lvpets2002]

Now why are you bitting moosmom's head off when you Do Not Know her?? She was just trying to be Helpfull.. You need to stop being so RUDE.. I hate rude people as well..

Reply to moosmom:
How stupid do you think I am. There is nothing physically wrong with her. She has been hissing all the time that I've known her. The vet said she is fine.
Why don't you read before you mouth off. I hate stupid people!!!!!

[Medusa]

Perhaps you really didn't want any help or suggestions but just wanted to comment and, if that's the case, you should've said so. Far from being stupid, moosmom has been rescuing and caring for cats for years and knows her stuff. A little humility and less hostility goes a long way and insults and name-calling is never appropriate. I hope you find out why your kitty is hissing but it's very common for us to ask if there are any medical issues that need to be addressed.

[GILL]

I was going to post about our hissers, but since you like being rude I will NOT bother.

[Ouisie5]

Hello!
I also have a cat that is a hisser. She is 12 and have never been a people cat. She ges along with me but not many others. That is just her personality, she gets her regular vet checks and is in good health. Just as some people are not very social, cats can be the same way.