Question
Does hissing always mean fear or aggression or it can be a part of the play?
Sometimes when playing hide-and-seek or chase games with a kitten, he allows himself to be chased into a corner, and then he turns and hisses. Does it mean we've overdone something, like stayed too close or chased too far, or it is of no concern in such games at all and is a healthy part of them?
Note, these games do not include intentional startling, hurting, holding or carrying him around against his will.
Answer
In games, your cat is learning skills that he will use throughout his life. When he accidentally corners himself, it's scary, and he reacts out of fear (by hissing).
As his guardian/playmate, if you respect his hiss and back off until he can uncorner himself and show interest in playing again, then he will learn that his verbal warning is effective. In the future, he will continue to use this warning (and not launch straight into a fight).
At the same time, he should also learn how not to corner himself (from these experiences), so you will see this happen less frequently as he grows up.
Answered By - Zaralynda