why do cats hiss at each other

Cats hiss at each other primarily as a defensive behavior to express fear, discomfort, or stress and to avoid physical confrontation. They use hissing to assert dominance, protect territory, or redirect aggression, especially when encountering unfamiliar cats or new situations. Hissing is usually a warning signal that a cat needs space and is not an aggressive taunt but a way to prevent a fight. It can also occur during play when a cat wants to signal that things are getting too rough or in competitive scenarios like mating or protecting kittens.