Cats may hiss when they feel threatened or frightened. It's a defensive behavior to warn potential aggressors.
Cats may hiss when they are engaged in a territorial dispute or a physical altercation with another animal.
When a cat is in pain or experiencing discomfort, they may hiss as a response to being touched or approached.
Mother cats may hiss to protect their kittens from perceived threats.
A sudden and unexpected interaction or noise can startle a cat, causing them to hiss as a reflex.
Cats dealing with anxiety or stress may hiss as a way to express their discomfort or unease.
Illness or injury can make a cat irritable and more likely to hiss when handled.
Some cats become overstimulated during play, leading to hissing as a way to signal they need a break.
Poor socialization as kittens can lead to fear-based behaviors like hissing when encountering new people or animals.
Cats may hiss when someone or another pet gets too close to their food, toys, or resting spots, as a way to guard their possessions.
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