Should You Stop a New Cat from Hissing at the Resident Cat?

1 New Cat Hissing at the Resident Cat

Why a New Cat Hisses at the Old One

A new cat hissing at the old is typical jealousy; stop it or they’ll fight. Other common reasons: guarding food, claiming territory, warning, or heat:

1. Food guarding: a cat eating will hiss at an approaching cat to warn it off; feed multiple cats separately with their own dishes.

2. Territory: when a cat feels its space is invaded it hisses; give separate beds. For a new cat, crate it first, then mix after they’re familiar, to cut territory fights.

3. Warning: hissing expresses displeasure and warning, common before and during fights; separate them quickly to ease tension.

4. Heat: a cat in heat may mount others; the mounted cat hisses in annoyance, especially strangers. If they shouldn’t breed, separate until heat ends.

How to Stop Two Cats Hissing and Fighting

Hissing and fights usually come from competing for limited resources, so treat them equally with their own beds and bowls to cut fights.

To avoid injury, distract them when hissing — toss a toy. If that fails, separate them with a cardboard sheet.

Two strangers suddenly together easily fight over territory; if not stopped, both get hurt. After bringing a new cat home, crate it a while, set boundaries, then mix once familiar. Spend time with both and play with them to build their bond.

Any hissing signals fight intent; stop it promptly.