Why is my cat hiding all of a sudden?

Why is my cat hiding all of a sudden? If your cat is hiding or acting out of character then you may have questions. We’re here to answer exactly why cats hide - and when you should be concerned. If your cat is hiding more than usual then read on to find out more…

Why do cats hide?

Why is my cat hiding from me? There are multiple reasons why your cat may choose to hide away. Let’s take a peek at some of those now.

Fear

A cat’s hiding behavior could be a sign of a fear response. If your furry family member is feeling fearful, then hiding might be their way of coping. Common triggers include new people or animals in the home, a recent house move, or loud noise such as fireworks. 

Discomfort

Pain or discomfort makes some cats feel defenseless and they may want to hide away for a bit to lick their wounds. They may also hit or strike you if you try to coax them out.

Change

Your feline family member is a creature of habit and changes to their territory or routine can be unsettling. This can make your cat feel anxious or stressed, so they may hide away to wait things out. 

Pregnancy

Pregnancy can cause some cats to start hiding away, especially as their due date approaches. An expectant cat usually tries to find a safe space to give birth and rear her kittens. 

Instinct

Many cats hide away for certain periods of time because it feels right for them to do so. A hiding space or den is where a wild cat would hang out to stay safe, especially if they felt threatened or sick. 

Overstimulation

Why is my cat hiding under the bed? The answer might be obvious if you are having a loud, busy party! Cats that are overstimulated may choose to find somewhere a little quieter. This includes being over-cuddling or fussed too.

Illness

A cat that has medical issues may shy away from interaction. If they are feeling out of sorts, your furry feline friend may prefer to keep their own company. Many cats that are feeling unwell and vulnerable will hide away.

An experienced cat sitter will be familiar with handling hiding felines. Take a look below to learn more about how to find verified cat sitters.

When should you be concerned about your cat’s hiding?

In many cases, hiding is a normal cat behaviour and most felines will do it at some time or another. But if your cat doesn’t usually hide away, or if your cat hides alongside some other changes, then you should investigate further. Here’s what else to look out for: 

Sudden behavior changes

If your cat is hiding, alongside other behavioral changes such as overgrooming, inappropriate toileting, or increased aggression, then there could be an underlying problem. A stressed cat is not a happy cat, and will usually be tense and wide-eyed when approached. Steps need to be taken to improve the situation. 

Signs of ill health

If your cat is hiding because they are unwell, then you may spot a few other clues. Changes in appetite and thirst, vomiting, abnormal stool consistency, and weight loss could all indicate a health problem. An obvious wound or injury may lead to them hiding under the bed too. 

When to seek advice from a vet

A cat that is hiding, but coming out for a fuss when encouraged with food or treats is perfectly normal. But a cat that actively avoids you, or displays aggression when you approach their solitary safe space could be in trouble. You will need to seek advice from a vet if your cat is showing behavioral changes or signs of ill health, alongside their new hiding tendencies.

What should you do if your cat is hiding?

If you’re worried about your cat, you should always get them checked over by a vet. This rules out underlying health complaints before you tackle possible behavioral reasons.

Providing the perfect hiding place

Cats usually hide away for a reason, but mainly because they feel safe and secure in their hiding spot. Therefore, it’s important that your cat has plenty of safe hiding places to choose from.

Good hiding spots include a large cardboard box, a space under the bed, a cat tree, cozy cat beds, a cat carrier box with the door left open, or a sturdy shelf.

Bad hiding spots include the washing machine or tumble dryer - this may seem like a warm and cozy spot for a cat but can be extremely dangerous, especially if the machine gets turned on. A drawer or a cupboard is also an unsafe space in case they get shut in.

How to get a cat out of hiding

My cat keeps hiding - so, what should you do? First and foremost, you should get your cat out of hiding straight away if they are somewhere unsafe or if they are obviously unwell or injured.

To coax a cat out of hiding, start by removing any stressors in the immediate area, such as other animals or people. You can then try gently calling them and offering their favorite food or treats. You can also try using their toys to entice them out. Failing that, most cats go crazy for catnip!

Allow newly adopted cats to come out in their own time, as they are taking their time to get to know you.

Where do cats hide?

If you can’t find your cat, check the following hiding spots:

• Under the bed
• In a cupboard or a drawer
• Behind the curtains
• On top or behind the fridge
• On a shelf
• In a cardboard box
• In their litter box
• In the washing machine or tumble drier
• Under the hood of a car

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been written by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first-opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat-coated retriever George!