How To Stop A Cat From Hissing
Rewards like toys, treats, or canned food can sometimes help relieve the anxiety and stress associated with cat hissing, says Demos. Try to do this at a distance, not up close and in the face of any cats involved in the situation, she says.
Additionally, if you have a multi-cat household make sure each cat has their own bowls, toys, and space. Give them separate dishes to eat from, separate toys to play with, and preferably, in separate rooms or at least out of visual range, adds Demos.
Disruption To Their Routine May Be Causing Your Cat To Feel Unsettled
Cats are a bit controlling! They dont like change so may feel anxious or confused by any new additions to the family. Make sure that you try and share your attention between your kitties – you may need to provide your resident cat with more reassurance than usual.
Feeling unsettled can cause your pets to react by hissing and showing other . Keep their schedule as close as possible to their usual routine, so that the only change they are experiencing is the new kitten. Your kitties will feel a lot better when they feel in control of their own environment.
Why Is My Cat Swatting At My Dog
It is possible for a cat and dog to coexist peacefully- youve seen as much evidence on the internet and TV shows!
So why then is the cat swatting at the dog for no apparent reason?
There are many potential factors as to why your cat may feel inclined to whack at the dog randomly. The most common of these can include feeling threatened or insecure, fighting for attention and status, and even underlying medical issues.
Sometimes the conflict between cat and dog can result from simple misunderstanding. For instance, a dog will often raise his paw with an intention to play. However, the cat may interpret this as a sign of attack instead, and respond in kind with a well-aimed slap!
Your puppy may also commit animal social faux-pas while not knowing any better. For example, it may stare directly into your cats eyes, which any experienced cat will take as a sign that the new puppy is laying down a dominance challenge.
Voila, *swat*!
Even a normally calm cat will swat a dog if they feel the latter is invading their space.
Keeping in mind the above, there are a few other potential reasons that can induce a cat to hit out at a new puppy even if its done nothing wrong:
Proper Introductions: The Best Chance For Success
Putting two cats together and expecting them to get along can actually have the opposite effect. Instead, you’ll want to take the time to broker a proper introduction. Doing so gives you the best chance of the cats learning to get along.
To properly introduce cats, you’ll want to implement four steps:
- Isolation: Put the kitten in a room with their food, litter, and toys. That will be the kitten’s home for a few days. Place the resident cat’s food bowl just outside the door.
- Introduce through Sight and Scent: Swap the cats blankets, so they get used to each other’s scents. Prop the door open so the cats can see each other, and put one cat in a carrier and put the carrier in a room with other cat.
- First Meeting: Place your resident cat in the room with the kitten. Stay close by to break up a scuffle, if necessary. Limit the first few meetings to 10 minutes or so.
- Increase Length of Time Together: Slowly increase the amount of time the cats are spending together. If the older cat gets aggressive, give it a day or two before going back to the prior step and trying again.
To further increase the chances of success:
Cat Hissing: When To Worry
A cat who hisses frequently should be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out internal pain or discomfort, says Gibbons. An animal behaviorist may be consulted if the hissing is determined to be from psychological origin.
And of course, this applies to signs of obvious distress. If your cat appears to be in pain, have an injury, or is at risk of injuring another pet or person in the house, dont hesitate to seek immediate help, adds Demos.
Other signs that could indicate that the hissing may be due to a medical problem include the following, according to Gibbons.
- Poor appetite
- Low energy
- Reclusiveness or other changes in behavior
A cat who normally doesnt hiss, then suddenly starts up may be a cause for concern, says Demos. The first step is generally to try and get a video whenever it comes to unusual or new behaviors, she says. That way you can show your vet to get their specific thoughts on what is happening.
If youre in doubt about what the hissing means or you see behavior thats out of the ordinary, check with your veterinarian, advises Bennett. Any change in a cats behavior or normal routine should be viewed as a potential red flag.
Kittens Not Good Playmates For Adult Cats
If one is thinking of getting a young kitten as a companion for an adult cat, think again. It is kinder to pair cats in the same life stage since their needs, desires, sizes, energy levels and interests would be more aligned, and they would therefore more likely become buddies. Sometimes one doesn’t get a little kitten intentionally, such as finding an abandoned kitten. However, one does need to then realize the adult cats most often are not going to be happy about it, and realize that a tiny kitten is not a suitable as an intended companion or playmate for an adult cat at the time the kitten is still so tiny. The extreme size and strength difference alone clearly points that out in terms of ideas of playmates. An adult cat is HUGE compared to a tiny kitten so no way can they play wrestle together to the satisfaction of each of them. And little kittens love to play wrestle.
If one has an adult cat and wants a little kitten, it is best to get two little kittens then. That way the two kittens can play with each other in the way little kittens do, and the adult cat won’t get harassed constantly by a little kitten desperate for some play. Little kittens want to play all the time, and adult cats do not. Otherwise, with just one little kitten and an adult cat, you wind up with a frustrated little kitten and a frustrated adult cat.
Most Cats Learn To Accept Each Other
Its possible that some cats may never quite get along, but usually they will learn to accept each other if you try some of the ideas mentioned above. It takes time and patience in some cases, but you should see at least some improvement.
With a little effort on our part, most conflicts can be resolved or at least reduced to the point where the cats learn to tolerate each other without resorting to serious fights.
I hope these tips have been useful to you, and I hope your cats will soon learn to enjoy each others company.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Introducing A Second Cat Into The Home
When you decide to add a new cat to your home, it’s normally more exciting for you and your family than it is for the cat you already own.
Reading time: 4 minutes
When you decide to add a new cat to your home, its normally more exciting for you and your family than it is for the cat you already own. That’s because most cats are solitary by nature. However, most will also come to accept or eventually tolerate any additional pets introduced into their home. Keep in mind that cats are very territorial, which is why you should always be careful when you introduce a new cat to your current cat. You should definitely expect some initial incidents and unwanted behavioral displays by the first feline.
At first, your current cat may howl and hiss when he stands at the door to the safe room, trying to tell the other cat that he doesnt belong. When this happens you should ignore it, as punishing your cat for his behavior will only lead to more problems. Your current cat’s behavior is a natural response to intruders, as cat’s are territorial, so punishing him for this reaction will confuse and anger him further. Gradually, the first cat will start to act calmer when he is near the new cats door. As he begins to gradually relax and remain calm near the new cat’s door, you should pet him and give him praise. This will help him understand that the new cat is not a threat and that his acceptance of the new feline makes you happy.
Tips On How To Get Cat To Stop Hissing At Dog
Is your cat hissing and growling at your dog? If so, its time to read through this guide on How to get cat to stop hissing at dog.
Its all about understanding the root cause of the hissing.
Each cat is unique, but there is a distinct reason for why cats behave like they do. In most cases a cat is going to be fearful of its surroundings and/or another pet.
The reasons can include:
- Feeling Defensive Against a Playful/Aggressive Dog
- Feeling Anxious About a New Place
These are just some of the factors that can play a role in your cat hissing at dogs.
To learn how to get cat to stop hissing at dogs, its time to focus on how to remove their anxiety. This guide will break down what works and how to implement it the right way at home.
Table of Contents
is a wonderful starting point with a hissing cat. It provides the cat with a distinct spot in the house that is easy to claim and use without interference from dogs/humans. This cat bed is gentle, durable, and provides a plush place for the cat to rest during the day.
It comes with nest-like walls that are protective and allow the cat to feel at home as soon as it steps inside and lies down.
With its premium-grade fabric and 20-inch design, this is the perfect option for your home with multiple pets.
Households With A Cat
There are many advantages of a multiple cat household. Welcoming a new cat into a home that already has a resident cat is exciting but should be handled carefully with consideration for each cat. The key is to introduce your new cat in a systematic and gradual way, utilizing the principles of desensitizing and positive reinforcement.
How to Introduce the Cats
Advantages of a Multi-Cat Household
Introducing Your Cat To A New Cat
Free-ranging and feral cats lead complex and busy lives. They maintain far larger territories than most people realize, and these territories often contain a variety of environments, such as forests, farmlands, urban gardens and yards. Within these territories, cats explore, hunt and scavenge for food alone. They only occasionally interact with other cats. They dont live in groups or even pairs, and they dont seek out contact with other cats. In fact, they actively avoid it. Considering this natural behavior of cats, it isnt surprising that it can be very difficult to introduce a new cat into an established cats territory, even when that territory is your home.
If youre bringing a new cat into your home, be patient. The introduction must be gradual. Following the initial introduction, it can take a very long time for a relationship to grow. It takes most cats eight to 12 months to develop a friendship with a new cat. Although some cats certainly become close friends, others never do. Many cats who dont become buddies learn to avoid each other, but some cats fight when introduced and continue to do so until one of the cats must be re-homed.
Cat Hissing And Swatting At New Puppy What Should I Do
There are not many better feelings in the world than bringing home a new puppy.
We sure were ecstatic when we had the opportunity to adopt Olliver in July of 2020, and have only had the most unforgettable experiences in the year since.
Theres no denying it- adopting a puppy is awesome! However, introducing a puppy to your household with an existing feline can be challenging. A resident cat will often show aggression towards a new puppy.
When introducing a new puppy into your home, you need to remember that your cat is used to being the only pet. It will need time to adjust to its new housemate, and at times can be extremely territorial.
Its not unusual at all to find the cat hissing and swatting at the new puppy from time to time! Rather than punishing your cat, its important to teach it to become more accepting of the new member of the family.
This is important not only for improving overall ongoing international canine-feline diplomatic relations, but also to minimize the chance that your puppy is injured by your cat. A cat has five weapons on it at all times after all- and they sure arent afraid to use them!
While the two animals may not turn into best friends immediately , a slow and gentle introduction can help them to live in harmony eventually.
Contents
Big Cats Scared Of Tiny Kittens
A tiny kitten is a threat to many adult cats, , as in nature, it would still be with its mother for up to about 6 months old, under her care and protection. The older cats may be wary that the mother will come around looking for her kitten, and that would mean trouble for them if caught near the kitten. It will take some time for the big cats to realize no angry mama cat is going to be coming around. Until then, many adult cats will hiss at the kitten, and even swat at it, trying to keep it from them.
Even if an appearance by an angry mother cat is not a concern of theirs, adult cats still will often try to make an intruder leave. Or, the adult cat will try to leave, by avoiding all areas the kitten is or may be in. Some adult cats get very distressed and frightened by little kittens to a greater degree than they do new adult cats, as odd as that may seem. For adult cats who never saw kittens before as adult cats, kittens are strange creatures, not acting like proper cats in the viewpoint of the adult cat who never saw little kittens before. Little kittens make different noises, and move differently than adult cats. They often are overly bold, just trotting right up to an adult cat, not knowing the proper adult cat conventions of dealing with a sudden stranger cat. Many adult cats don’t know what to make of tiny kittens and this can worry and stress them. Most creatures fear what they don’t understand.
Helping A Shy Cat Adjust
The shy and fearful adult cat will require patience as he begins to build trust with his human caregiver. It is important he be given adequate time in his safe room before being introduced to larger portions of his new dwelling.
Human caregivers need to make sure areas where the cat may escape to be blocked off . Cats are masters at hiding. A particularly shy cat can remain out of sight for days if hiding spots are available.
Once the cat is secure in his safe room, it is your responsibility to gradually build trust and a positive relationship with him. A few tips:
- Always approach him at his level.
- Dont stare directly into his eyes; rather, talk softly to him and offer a few slow blinks before turning away.
- Stay with him during feedings, so he associates you with positive things.
- Try to find toys that engage him. Play regularly and consistently when he is willing.
- Anytime a positive behavior or interaction occurs, offer treats, soft praise or an appropriate caress .
Most important, let him move at his own pace. If he isnt ready to be picked up, dont pick him up . If he is only comfortable having the sides of his face and chin rubbed, dont keep trying for a full-body caress.
This process may take several weeks to months. But the time will be well spent as your new cat begins to show signs of trust and affection, such as following you around the house, rubbing against your legs or arms, sitting next to you and sleeping near you.