Research overview: agonistic vocal and visual threat signals in cats

When threatened, cats deploy a graded set of agonistic signals including growls, hisses, spits, and yowls, paired with visual displays such as piloerection, arched back, and ear and pupil changes. This overview surveys research on these defensive and offensive signals, how they escalate or de-escalate conflict, and the information they convey about motivation and likely behaviour. It discusses the hiss as a possible mimic of snake warning sounds and the role of body posture in signalling offensive versus defensive aggression. The topic explains how cats negotiate disputes and avoid costly fights through a well-structured repertoire of warning signals.