If you’ve spotted your pet cat hissing and growling at what seems to be nothing, it can be quite puzzling.
If you’re asking yourself, “Why is my cat growling at nothing?” you’ve come to the right place! Read on and understand the mystery behind this feline behavior.
What Is Growling?
Growling is a sound that cats make when they’re not happy. It is a sign that the feline might be scared, upset, or just want to be left alone.
Growling is often accompanied by hissing or spitting, and the cat may also arch its back.
If your cat is growling or hissing without a clear reason, it’s an indicator that they need space.
What Causes Cat Growling and Hissing?
Growling in cats is a common form of vocalization. Cat growling may occur due to several reasons, outlined below:
Territorial Behavior
One of the common causes of a growling cat is territorial behavior. Cats are known to be territorial animals, and when a new cat is introduced into their space, they may feel the need to assert their dominance through growling.
Threatened
Another reason for a cat to growl is if they are feeling threatened or fearful. This can occur if they are in a situation where they feel cornered or if another cat is invading their space.
Stress
Cats are creatures of habit. They will growl if they feel stressed or anxious. This could be because of loud noises, a change of scenery, or new animals living with them.
Pain
In some cases, a cat may growl due to pain or discomfort. Urinary tract infections, dental disease, and other medical issues can cause a cat to exhibit growling behavior as a way to communicate their discomfort.
Why Your Cat Is Growling At Nothing (Or So It Seems)
So, as you read earlier, cats can begin growling for a number of reasons. But when they start growling at nothing, it can be puzzling. As it turns out, it’s not actually ‘nothing’.
Seeing the Invisible
Cats have special eyes that let them see in nearly pitch-dark conditions and detect the smallest movements. This is because their eyes have a high number of cells that are sensitive to light and motion, much more than what humans have.
So, when your cat seems to be growling at a spot on the wall, they might be watching a tiny bug scurry along, invisible to your eyes.
Hearing the Unheard
Cats pick up sounds we can’t even begin to hear. Their ears are built to tune into high-frequency noises. This excellent hearing is a trait inherited from their ancient ancestors, who were hunters.
If your cat is growling at what seems like empty air, they might just be reacting to these high-pitched sounds that are completely out of our hearing range.
Reacting to the Imperceptible
It’s not just about what cats can see and hear; it’s also how they react. Their instincts are hardwired to respond to these sensory cues, making them excellent hunters.
While we might be puzzled by our cat’s sudden growling or pouncing on a seemingly quiet and still room, they are actually responding to stimuli we’re oblivious to.
This could be a faint noise or a slight movement that our human senses simply can’t pick up.
Understanding Kitten Growls
Cats start picking up growling from a young age. Here are some reasons why kittens growl:
Learning From Their Mother
Firstly, kittens often take cues from their mother. If you’ve ever seen a mama cat with her litter, you’ll notice she makes a variety of sounds. A growl is one of them.
Mother cats may growl as a warning to stay away from her kids. Kittens, in their turn, may mimic this behavior.
Playing
When kittens are playing, a growl can be part of the fun. They are practicing their hunting skills, pouncing and grappling with toys—or sometimes your fingers!
Growling is one of the skills that they learn during this play. It’s an important part of their development, even though it’s just play.
Setting Boundaries
A growling sound can be a kitten’s way of laying claim to something or protecting their territory.
If they have a favorite toy or spot, they might growl to tell other pets in the house (or even you) to back off. It’s their early attempt at setting boundaries.
How To Handle a Growling Cat
When faced with a hissing and growling cat, it’s important for cat owners to remain calm and approach the situation carefully.
Assess The Situation
The first step is to assess the situation and try to understand why the cat is growling. It could be due to fear, stress, pain, or feeling threatened. If you suspect your cat is in pain or discomfort, it’s best to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up.
Give It Space
When trying to approach a growling cat, it’s crucial to give the cat space and avoid making sudden movements. Never try to physically restrain or corner a growling cat, as this can be dangerous and may lead to the cat feeling even more threatened.
If the cat is unable to calm down, it’s best to leave them alone and wait for them to relax on their own.
Don’t Touch It
If a growling cat shows signs of aggression, such as hissing or baring teeth, it’s important to keep your distance to prevent getting bitten.
Attempting to pet or calm your cat in this state could result in a bite or scratch. Always respond to a growling cat with caution and prioritize your safety above all else.
Get Expert Advice
In situations where a cat is displaying more severe aggression or is behaving abnormally, it’s best to seek professional help from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
They can provide advice on how to safely handle the situation and address any underlying issues that may be causing the cat to growl.
Other Ways That Cats Communicate?
There are several ways that cats can communicate besides the growling that we’ve already discussed! Let’s take a look at some of those methods.
Meowing
A meow can mean many things, from being a greeting to a request for food. It’s a sound they use mostly with people, not other cats. When your cat meows at you, they might be trying to tell you something important.
Purring
Cats purr when they’re content and feeling good, like when they’re curled up in your lap getting petted. But, interestingly, they also purr when they’re hurt or scared, which is their way of self-comforting.
Body Language
Cats also ‘talk’ with their bodies. A tail held high means your cat is feeling confident and happy, while a tail tucked underneath the body shows fear. If your cat’s ears are flat against their head, it could also be a sign that they are annoyed or frightened.
Eye Blinking
Lastly, cats use their eyes to speak volumes. Slow blinking can be a sign of trust and affection, like a kitty kiss. So, if your cat looks at you and blinks slowly, they’re showing love and trust in you.
Some Final Thoughts on Cat Growling
Growling is a normal way for cats to communicate. Cats will growl if they feel stressed, threatened, sick, or in pain. If they seem to be growling at nothing, they may have picked something imperceptible to us.
If the growling continues for too long or if it’s accompanied by other abnormal behavior, it is best that your feline friend be seen by a vet.
