Cat Hissing At Smells

by Meg

QUESTION:

A friend who deals alot with other cats (sometimes injured and sick) cam over the other night and our one year old tabby, Dexter, sniffed at and then hissed at her bag. He then turned around and hissed at our two other cats, who he is totally familiar with. Could it just be the scent of unknown cats? I've never seen him do this before, and I have quite a few friends who have cats of their own.


Dear Meg,

The unfamiliar smell made him hiss at her bag and then since the other 2 cats were there, he displaced his aggression (fear, defensive mechanisms) on the other cats. This is a very normal occurance and the best thing you can do about it is DON'T REACT. Don't make a big deal about it. Let him get over it on his own. Don't pick him up to reassure him when something like that happens. He could also displace his aggression toward you.

In the future, it might be best if your friend's things were left where he can't get to them. Of course, remember that Dexter was only following his instincts. He sensed a threat and reacted to it.

Thank you for the adorable picture!!

Dr. Neely