Why does my cat hiss when she means strangers?

Question

I know some cats that dont do that. I'm wondering why does my cat hiss at strangers, and sometimes it hisses at me.

Answer 1

It's her way of communicating -"stay away".....mine does sometimes, but as soon as she's comfortable she'll come right up to a new person!

Answer 2

The Problem:
Cats that threaten their owners usually have star-crossed beginnings. If they were not adequately handled, petted and socialized when they were between five and twelve weeks of age they may grow up to be fearful, wary of people or easily upset and angered.

Cats that are frightened assume a characteristic position. They crouch with their ears laid back, their tails curled inward and they tilt their bodies away from the perceived threat. They will likely lash out and claw or bite anything that approaches them. This behavior often occurs when the cat is in new surroundings or being approached by a stranger. The se cat’s eyes dilate and they hiss and show their teeth. Their hair may stand on end.

The Solution:
Begin to correct the problem as soon as it first occurs. Do not wait until the behavior is ingrained in the cat’s personality. The best time to get cats used to owners, strangers and children is when they are still kittens. Take time to get kittens used to being touched everywhere and introduce them to dogs and other cats while they are still young.

To accustom a cat to be touched, begin when the cat is relaxed and content. Start off scratching and rubbing its head. Make no sudden moves. Progress to stroking its back and the base of the tail. Talk to the cat while you are doing this and watch for any signs that the cat is becoming agitated. Finish this short lesson with a food treat. Eventually the cat will enjoy being touched and handled.

Fear aggressiveness in adult cats present a much harder problem. When they feel threatened by strangers or a new owner it takes much longer to overcome the problem. Let the cat get hungry and then have the person hold the cat’s favorite treat. Do not let the person approach the cat. Let the cat overcome its fear and approach the person on its own terms to develop confidence and trust. If the cat is too shy to approach have a member of the family with whom the cat has a good relationship give the treat while the second person is in the house. Over a series of weeks the visitor can be closer and closer when the treat is offered.

Answer 3

She's probably feeling vulnerable and frightened of strangers. She hasn't developed enough trust in human beings yet to be comfortable around them. If she hisses at you when you try and get her to go close to your friends, that explains her defensive behaviour as well. She's just trying to protect herself.
Most people see a cat, and go all gaga over them, and want to cuddle them immediately.......this behaviour can actually be quite daunting to some cats who don't like too much human handling, domesticated or not. Try and get your friends to simply sit and chat with you as per normal, and pay no attention to your cat. This would allow your cat to get used to their presence without having her territory and dignity threatened. When she draws near cautiously to better explore your friends, gently remind them not to show her any attention, so as to allow her to explore them in her own time. She would soon get used to them, and allow them to hold out a piece of kitty treat to offer her from their hand (take note to advise your friends not to look at your cat straight in the eyes, as that is a sign of intimidation in the animal kingdom. Ask them to focus their eyes to somewhere along her forehead instead).
If she takes the treat off their hands, it's a sign of acceptance. But whether or not she'll allow them to hold and pat her will depend on how comfortable your cat is with that eventually. Important thing to remember is not to force any human contact on your cat. She needs to be given time to come to that accepting conclusion on her own.
Good luck.

Answer 4

Cats are fickle creatures. I have a grey stripped tabby. She is shy. I give her all kinds of love and attention but she's just a skittish cat. Play with yer cat more often when strangers are around and perhaps it will become more relaxed.

Answer 5

They are so independent, and always want their own way. He probably is just disturbed by strangers, and hisses at you if you bug him too much, or try to make himdo something he doesnt want to do.

Answer 6

She probably feels scared and vulnerable and therefore acts like a cat.

Answer 7

MY CAT HISSES AT STRANGERS JUST FRIGHTENED

Answer 8

I think because your cat is not used to them.

Answer 9

Maybe she'd smell the scent of another animal that you had touched or carried?

Answer 10

anger or mabye fright. it can be afraid at times and hiss.