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How to handle my cat's aggression and hissing during outdoor walks?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 5 months and 25 days old | 4.85 lbs

I take my Leo for walks. He is fine at home but becomes SUPER AGGRESSIVE on walks. He would growl and hiss while walking. When I pick him up to go home he attacks and hisses at me for no apparent reason. I loose my temper and I jerk him into the elevator with his leash. I always feel about it. I'm concerned that I might be causing some injury to him when I jerk his leash. Please tell me how to do this peacefully ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 26th, 2018

While he may be curious about the outdoors, it sounds as though walks may be quite stressful for him. You might try some other ways to enrich his environment. Many cats enjoy window perches where they can view the outdoors. Catwalks, [hammocks](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/catastrophicreations-deluxe-cat-playplace-hammocks ) or wall perches inside also give them an interesting new perspective on their surroundings. [Interactive toys](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/petstages-catnip-chase-track-cat-toy) and [scratching posts](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/cat/cat-toys/cat-scratcher-toys) are also very helpful in keeping a cat's environment interesting and keeping them content. If Leo is acting this way on walks, I would not continue to take him outside. It's not worth the stress to either of you. I think you can find a number of other ways to keep him happy and occupied inside! Thanks for asking PetCoach!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If you jerk his leash it is no wonder he hisses and growls and gets aggressive. Please never do this again. Maybe you should not go for a walk for a while and let him settle down. He may not want to go back in and therefore fights you picking him up. On the other hand he may be afraid outside and therefore hisses and growls. Be nice to him, give him lots of lovings and he will not be aggressive. The more love you give him the more he will love you and the friendlier he will be.

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