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Is it normal for my 4-week-old kitten to growl and hiss while playing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Male | 3 days old

Is it normal for my 4 1/2 week old kitten to growl and hiss during playtime? He was an orphan I recently rescued. He just recently started growling while playing with the pole and line toy. Should I stop this behavior and if so, how?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Veterinarian

Published on September 17th, 2017

Your kitten sounds like he is just getting really wound up with the play behavior! If you are worried that he might be getting too aggressive, then just dial back your interaction with him. Try to stop playing with him before he gets to the point where he's growling. This is not necessarily a negative thing, but it's important that if this concerns you, that you start to shape the behavior you want, and discourage the behavior you don't want. So put the pole and line toy down and away BEFORE he starts to get so wound up that he is growling with the toy. Hope that helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 14th, 2019

    Hello. This is very typical play/aggression/fear behavior for a kitten. I have seen this many, many times & as the kitten grows, gains more assurance & matures, he will not need to display fear any more. This is very normal behavior. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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