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Why does my feral kitten hiss and scratch when I have another cat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Female | spayed | 5 lbs

Found a feral kitten about 5 to 6 months old and is now hissing and scratching me. Why is she hissing and scratching me? And could the problem be that I have another cat that is allowed to be walking around the house and she can't?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 7th, 2018

Since she is feral she is not tame. Hissing and biting and scratching is her only defense. She is likely very scared, especially since she is basically locked up in your house. The fact that there is another cat in the house also can cause all the hissing and spitting. GIve her time to get used to you and her new surroundings. Let her get acquainted with the new smells, new peeople, new cat, new food, etc. cats need time. She is beautiful, by the way,

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