Hissing is a widespread form of animal communication, characterized by a sharp, sibilant sound created by expelling air. This distinct vocalization serves primarily as a warning or defensive display across various species. It signals to potential threats that an animal feels uncomfortable, fearful, or is prepared to defend itself. The sound itself is often accompanied by specific body language cues that further emphasize the animal’s message.
Animals That Hiss
Many animals across different classes utilize hissing as a means of communication. Snakes are perhaps the most recognized hissers, producing the sound by forcibly exhaling air through a specialized structure in their throat called the glottis.
Domestic cats also commonly hiss, releasing a sudden burst of air through their mouths. This sound is often paired with an arched back, flattened ears, and piloerection, where their fur stands on end, making them appear larger. Geese are another well-known hissing animal, using the vocalization to communicate unease and establish boundaries. They may raise their necks, spread their wings, and open their bills while emitting the sound.
Opossums, when threatened, will also hiss loudly, often accompanied by baring their numerous teeth. This bluffing behavior aims to make them appear dangerous and aggressive. Hedgehogs hiss when they feel annoyed, cornered, or approached by a predator, serving as a clear “keep away” signal.
Among insects, the Madagascar hissing cockroach is notable for its ability to hiss. These cockroaches expel air through specialized breathing holes along their abdomen called spiracles, creating a distinct hissing sound. They can control the tone and volume of their hiss, using it for defense, establishing dominance, or during courtship.
Why Animals Hiss
Hissing serves multiple purposes across the animal kingdom, primarily functioning as a defensive mechanism. It acts as a clear warning signal, communicating to predators or rivals that the animal feels threatened and intends to avoid confrontation. This warning can often deter potential attackers before a physical conflict occurs.
The sound can also signify fear, anxiety, or discomfort. Animals may hiss when feeling cornered, stressed, or in pain, signaling their need for space. In some cases, such as with cats, hissing is a defensive act intended to prevent physical aggression by communicating boundaries.
While primarily defensive, hissing can also play a role in intraspecies communication. For instance, male Madagascar hissing cockroaches use hissing during courtship and to establish dominance. Geese use hissing to protect their nests and young, and to assert territorial claims against other animals or even humans.