Unexplained Hissing

My cat is 10 years old and a real sweetheart - curious, lovable, cuddly, etc. But, I've noticed over the past several months that he is hissing for reasons you wouldn't think he'd hiss over. For example, the other day he was sitting at the sliding glass door looking outside. I was going to bed so I had to shut it. He hissed. Last night, he jumped off the bed and hissed when he landed. What's that about?? When all this extra hissing started, I thought it was because he thought I was going to give him a pill (he had been taking medication not long before) or step on him (he has a tendency to get right under my feet lately). But, then it just seemed that he was hissing for whatever reason he felt like. Now it has progressed to hissing when he jumps off the bed. I just don't get it. The only reason I can think is that he's recognized the attention that he gets from hissing. Any other thoughts?

Has he seen a vet recently? He may be experiencing some pain. That really seems possible when he hissed as he landed.

he could be in pain-when he jumps down, something could be hurting him, so he's reacting to the pain, maybe..that doesn't explain him hissing cos you closed the door tho :/

I agree with the others, that this could be pain related...especially when you mentioned his age. It's not uncommon for cats of that age to get arthitis just like elderly humans do. I think that a vet visit is in order, many times they will be able to precribe pain meds that will help.

Originally Posted by arcadian girl

he could be in pain-when he jumps down, something could be hurting him, so he's reacting to the pain, maybe..that doesn't explain him hissing cos you closed the door tho :/

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He may had to shift weight when she did that and it caused pain.

Thank you for your insights. Yes, I did suspect that the jump off the bed may have been painful. I noticed a few days ago that he may have developed some arthritis on his back end near the tail (he will be seeing the vet for this). But, would this explain all the other hissing? And, let's just say that he is healthy, then what could be going on?

I think that his age may be important in discovering the root. most of all, though, a vet visit is called for if you are worried.

I agree if this is new I would see a vet and given the age... I would suspect her got hurt that way also. Arthritis is another possibility.