{"id":636286,"date":"2024-08-13T20:19:14","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T00:19:14","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2024-10-17T08:28:16","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T12:28:16","slug":"how-much-hissing-is-normal-when-introducing-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/cat-behavior\/how-much-hissing-is-normal-when-introducing-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Hissing Is Normal When Introducing Cats? What to Tolerate & Guide (Vet-Reviewed)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n <\/span>\n \nHow Much Hissing Should Be Expected When Introducing Cats<\/a>
\nPossible Reasons for Hissing<\/a>
\nHow to Respond to This Behavior<\/a>
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Welcoming a new kitty to the family is exciting for the humans in the household. The other resident cats? Maybe not so much. While some cats get along instantly, others need some time to warm up to one another.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s entirely normal for your cats to hiss when they first meet and even for days following. While most people consider hissing to be a sign of aggression, it\u2019s actually just another form of communication your cats have with one another (and with their humans).<\/p>\n

While hissing is pretty standard for cats when exposed to something (or someone) new, you\u2019re probably wondering how much you should tolerate. Read on to learn more about why cats hiss in the first place and what you can do to help your pets become comfortable with each other.<\/p>\n

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How Much Hissing Should Be Expected When Introducing Cats?<\/h2>\n

As mentioned in our introduction, hissing is entirely normal behavior to notice in both your new kitty and the resident cats in your home. Your cats may hiss or even swat at each other for several weeks until they\u2019ve had the time to really get to know one another.<\/p>\n

Hissing on its own isn\u2019t aggressive, but it can be your pet\u2019s way of laying the ground rules for\u00a0 this new animal taking up their <\/em>space. Think of hisses as a defensive gesture, as cats feeling threatened in some way are more likely to hiss. It\u2019s your cat\u2019s way of expressing discomfort, fear, or stress. Hissing on its own isn\u2019t usually cause for action, but if aggressive behaviors or postures accompany your cat\u2019s hisses, you\u2019ll need to carefully intervene. Growling, hair standing on end, tense muscles, and pinned ears may all indicate aggressive behavior.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: Ilyas Kalimullin, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Why Do New Cats Hiss at Each Other?<\/h2>\n

1. Their Routine Is Disrupted<\/h3>\n

Whether you realize it or not, your resident cats are absolutely creatures of habit. They don\u2019t typically like change and can feel very anxious, stressed out, and confused when new additions are brought into the home. Your resident cats may need a little more attention than usual when you get a new pet.<\/p>\n

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2. They Feel Trapped<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re rushing to introduce your resident cats to your new fur baby, you may inadvertently be making both parties feel trapped. Your resident cats need time to get used to the idea of sharing their space with another being, while your new kitty is likely already feeling stressed from being placed in a new home. If you\u2019re forcing your pets to meet when stress is already high, it can make your pets more prone to hissing and even aggressive behaviors.<\/p>\n

When introducing your pets, be sure never to block the exit so they know they can leave and go to their safe space without intrusion. Also, give them time to come to each other rather than you pushing them together. Allowing them to interact on their own time may help smooth the process.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: Anna Kraynova, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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3. They Feel Their Space Is Being Encroached Upon<\/h3>\n

Another potential reason your resident cat is hissing is that they feel their space is being encroached upon. They have, after all, had your home to themselves for their entire life, so it makes sense why they\u2019d be reluctant to share their<\/em> things with your new pet.<\/p>\n

Hissing can be an effective way to establish or reinforce the social hierarchy<\/a> among the cats in your home. Dominant cats will sometimes hiss to assert their position over others. Other territorial behaviors dominant cats engage in include hoarding toys, scratching objects to mark their territory, urine spraying, growling, and instigating fights.<\/p>\n

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4. They\u2019re Setting Boundaries<\/h3>\n

Cats are notoriously territorial and will sometimes hiss at one another as a way to establish boundaries and to establish their authority. A hiss is a fast and effective tool your resident cat can use to tell the newcomer to stop trespassing.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: Anna Krivitskaya, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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What Should I Do if My Cats Are Hissing at Each Other?<\/h2>\n

There are some other things you can do if the hissing isn\u2019t dissipating as quickly as you\u2019d like it to.<\/p>\n

Sit It Out<\/h3>\n

Since hissing on its own is just a form of communication<\/a>, you don\u2019t need to do anything\u2014at least not right away. If the hissing is constant and doesn\u2019t die down after a few minutes, separate the cats and give them time to calm down. Of course, if aggressive behaviors or postures accompany the hisses, you\u2019ll need to intervene as soon as possible to prevent a fight.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: Fang_Y_M , Pixabay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Introduce Them Slowly<\/h3>\n

Introductions need to be done very slowly and deliberately. There is a process for introducing cats to one another<\/a>, and if you rush it, you\u2019re potentially putting your pets at risk as they may be more likely to be aggressive with one another.<\/p>\n

The cat showing the most fear and mistrust should set the pace for the introduction. Remember that the process can be long, depending on your pet\u2019s personality. It can take several days, weeks, or even months for your cats to learn to live harmoniously alongside one another.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Be Afraid to Do Reintroductions<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019ve rushed the introductory period and now your cats are hissing at each other all day long or even fighting, it\u2019s okay to separate them and begin the whole process all over again.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Provide Enough Resources<\/h3>\n

Aggression and hissing can sometimes be the result of your cat\u2019s feeling they have to share their resources. For this reason, you must ensure each of your pets has access to their own things. Each should have their own litter box, plus one. So, if you have three cats, you\u2019ll need four litter boxes. They should also each have their own food bowl. Make sure you have enough toys, scratching posts, and sleeping spots to go around, too.<\/p>\n

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Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re in the midst of the introductory process, pulling out your hair, and wondering, how long can the hissing actually last, know this is likely to be just a short blip in the lives of your kitties. Hissing is an entirely normal response in cats, especially when they\u2019re put into a new or stressful situation. When you\u2019re bringing a new cat into your home, you\u2019re inevitably placing stress on both your new pet and the resident cats, so some degree of hissing should be expected until they get to know one another.<\/p>\n

Your cats need time to become accustomed to these living conditions. This is why it\u2019s so important to introduce a new cat very slowly and deliberately. Let your kitties set the pace for the introductions, and never rush the process.<\/p>\n

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