do cats hiss when they play

Cats do sometimes hiss when they play. Hissing in play is generally a warning signal rather than true aggression. It is a way cats communicate boundaries or discomfort when the play becomes too rough or overstimulating. Playful hissing is usually shorter and less intense than aggressive hissing, and often the cats will continue playing after a brief pause. Young cats and kittens are more likely to hiss during play as they are still learning social boundaries. Observing the cats' body language helps distinguish playful from aggressive hissing—playful hissing is accompanied by relaxed posture and continued engagement, whereas aggressive hissing involves signs like flattened ears, puffed fur, and dilated pupils.