A baby cheetah hisses as a natural instinct to appear more intimidating, even when it’s still small and vulnerable. Hissing is a defensive behavior used to express fear, discomfort, or frustration, often when the cub feels threatened or startled. Despite their tiny size, baby cheetahs try to mimic the behaviors of adult cheetahs, using hissing along with spitting or growling to ward off potential dangers. This early practice helps them develop survival instincts they’ll need as they grow. Video