Snorting or Spitting?

Are a cat's vocalizations actually a form of hissing? A feline behaviorist explains the difference between snorting and spitting.

By Pam Johnson-Bennett

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Feline behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett, author of Think Like a Cat, says:
By "snorting" could you possibly mean spitting? A cat who reacts defensively may spit. This is where they curl up their tongue and force a burst of air out. It's a defensive sound usually made when startled. Sometimes the cat will hiss as well. This is common in cats but it's a form of communication you should be aware of so you can work around it to avoid it. If you have to move her against her will, don't startle her and see if you can do it in a gentle way. If she spits when you are playing with her, then you are getting too aggressive in the play and she's getting startled. You mentioned wrestling matches, does that mean you wrestle with her using your hands? If so, please don't do that anymore because that is probably causing her to cross over from play to defense. Cats and humans should not engage in wrestling-type play. The only type of play you should engage her in is interactive play using a fishing pole toy or toss a small toy across the room for her to chase.

If the snorting sound is something she displays while resting or when walking or eating or drinking, and it sounds as if it's coming from her nose, then she may have a growth in her nasal passages and that would have to be checked by the veterinarian. I do believe, based on her description that she is actually displaying spitting behavior but I wanted you to be aware in case.

Best,
Pam Johnson-Bennett, CABC
IAABC-Certified Animal Behavior Consultant

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Snorting or Spitting?

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crystal    pittsburgh, PA 12/27/2010 5:19:26 PM My cat does the spitting(pffff)sound when I walk away from her. She does this for attention. She will spit at me then run in front of me and flop over showing her belly. This happens at least once a day. Its the cutest thing. Denise    Hatboro, PA 4/12/2009 10:51:45 PM After reading your other stories the snoring may be because the kitten i rescued isn't fixed yet (but has an apt) and went into heat. I hope the spay with help settle the household down. Your web is VERY helpful! Thanks Denise    Hatboro, PA 4/12/2009 10:40:48 PM I just added a kitten to the house and my other cat snorted for the first time in 12yrs. She keeps snorting at her before attacking her. So i think it is a way of saying she is upset and not happy with the new kitten. I am hoping this will go away in time. Jzajza    McDonough, GA 9/3/2008 5:03:27 PM My cat snorts to show his affection. It starts as a purr but then he snorts as he rubs against my leg or falls out on the floor for additional attention.