Question about hissing...

Hello everyone! I'm new to the site and also a very new cat mum. So glad to have come across a network of amazing cat lovers!

A quick intro: we've recently adopted a 4-year old grey neutered male tabby from a shelter about almost 2 weeks ago. The cat is settling in well but knowing his past, he has a way to go before he is fully trusting of us.

One of my biggest concerns is that whenever we are trying to walk past him, typically in the hallway or by the bathroom door, he would meow and hiss. It's as if he doesn't want us to leave or pass. Usually this also happens when we're coming up from behind him. Our reaction is mostly just to ignore but I'm not sure that's the right thing to do. He doesn't do anything after he hisses and always just once.

Does anyone have any advice they can offer on why this might be happening? What can we do?

Thanks!

You've already given the answer to your own question. He's not fully trusting of you yet. That's all it is. When he's on the floor you're very big to him. He's just feeling a little threatened. If it's possible to make use of vertical space with shelving and cat trees etc then please do that. It will enable him to get up off the floor and into a place where he feels more secure. Just a few 'stepping stone' shelves in the corridor could make a world of difference to him. Announcing yourself calmly when you're coming up behind him could help too - a simple 'excuse me' in a soothing tone is all that's needed.

He'll settle in time. I wouldn't worry about it so long as it doesn't escalate (which seems unlikely from what you've said).

Hi Columbine!

Thanks so much for responding! 

You're probably right - I hadn't thought about giving him some boxes for height while he's in the hallway. I'll try to make those changes and see if it improves.