Cat screams and hisses at me---help

[Traci]

Did you startle her when you came home/opened the door, etc?

It's possible she is associating certain times of day, certain sounds, (even your shoes), etc, with her prior experience. What was different about the way you came home, time of day, noises, etc? You said you came home at night, so was there a light on BEFORE you came home in the house? If not, then you most likely startled her. Cats become "protectors" of their homes, so if there was no light on, or if you suddenly appeared at the door without her hearing your footsteps, voice, keys etc, anything not routine, then she could have been scared.

What do you think is going on in the home when you're gone? Is anyone else in the home? What about neighbors, dogs barking, etc? If you're gone at night, do you leave a light on in the house? Do you leave the tv on low volume?

When you were out, were you some place that left certain scents on you? (smoke, other pets, etc)

Lastly, but certainly important, do you spend quality time with her every day? Do you engage in activity and playtime with her? Bonding and keeping playtime consistent (routine) helps keep our cats well adjusted. Perhaps spend more time with her, think of it as earning her trust again.