Of all the reactions that cats have, one that draws our special attention, and even a certain alarm, is the snort. Why do cats snort? The truth is that more than a reaction it is a message that they give us through their feline language.
Cats hiss and growl when they feel upset, threatened or out of control. It doesn't come from nowhere and they only do this when they feel the presence of a problem. They may even, even if you don't represent a real threat, hiss and growl at you. It's totally normal, it's your cat's way of asking you not to get close at that moment and to stay in an alert position like him. He is telling you “we are in defensive mode.”
However, there are other reasons why your pet hisses. We invite you to read the following article on our site where we will answer the question of Why do cats hiss?
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One of the reasons cats hiss is to to let them know that they are not liking something or thatI know you feel unhappy His mood is altered and, even if your reaction is to approach him or even scold him, it's better that you stay a little away.
If you approach even though your cat is hissing, you may get scratched or bitten. Cats are very territorial animals. He may also be warning that the place where he is is his space and that anyone who approaches him must do so with respect, respecting the limits.
Too much external information
Cats are very fond of chasing and catching birds. It is said that cat snorts can be an imitation of the song of birds to attract them. If your cat is snorting, it may be very close and looking through the window at some other animal such as squirrels, birds, mice or moving objects and he/she has all his interest in that element or feels fear for such presence.
My territory
As we mentioned before, cats are territorial creatures, they like to have their space and feel that they are masters of it, so sometimes it is difficult for them to share. Similarly, they are very sensitive to sudden changes. If you have brought home a new animal companion, this is a perfect opportunity for your old cat to snort to his heart's content, as he will take it as an offense and it will be the way to express his displeasureThis could even end in fights until boundaries are set.
You might also snort at the scent of a stray cat as he walks by your house. It is important to take into account that unneutered male cats, when they are about to fight with another, snort with greater intensity and volume, communicating their dissatisfaction with the other's presence.
Something hurts
If your cat hisses and is apprehensive when you cuddle or pick him up, but is normally very docile and affectionate, he may be in pain somewhere in his body and manipulation is affecting him The feline could also sense that you are going to catch him, so he will even anticipate your intentions by hissing and growling. Take great care and attention in the way you approach. Study these reactions in your pet and if this happens more than three times in the same day, we advise you to take him to the vet for a complete check-up.
We must consider that the fact that a cat snorts does not mean that he is an aggressive animal or with this tendency. Behind aggressive behavior there is always insecurity, anxiety, pain or discomfort (whether psychological or physical) and fear of unknown and possibly dangerous situations that represent a threat to him and even to the family.
