Cats hide for a variety of reasons, some of which are normal and some of which warrant investigation. Cat hiding spots may include under furniture, in closets or in less-used rooms of the home.
If your cat seems to be playing a constant game of hide and seek, considering the possible causes and following some interaction recommendations can help you address your feline friend’s behavior as well as determine whether there may be an underlying health cause.
How Long Has Your Cat Been Hiding?
The first question to consider is whether your cat’s hiding is a new behavior. If your cat is frequently hiding under the bed when she used to be more social, investigating a cause for the new behavior is critical. Changes to her environment as well as health issues are chief concerns.
Many cats try not to show weakness or pain and a new hiding behavior can be a response to illness. The first thing to do with any new hiding behavior is to have your cat thoroughly examined by a veterinarian for any health concerns. It is very helpful to observe whether there are any other behavior changes such as a change in appetite or temperament to share with your veterinarian as well.
If your hiding cat receives a clean bill of health, the next thing to consider is whether there has been a change in the environment that may be frightening her or causing her stress. Is there a new person who has been visiting the house? Have you brought any new pets into the home? Do not forget to consider outside stimuli as well. A neighbor’s outdoor cat or dog roaming within window view of your cat can induce a lot of stress and subsequent hiding behavior even for an indoor kitty.
Additionally, consider if something unusual has recently occurred in your cat’s life. If your cat is hiding after going to her veterinarian or after you accidentally stepped on her tail, memory of the incident can be causing her to hide to protect herself. Additionally, big changes in your cat’s daily routine, such as moving or even her pet parent changing shifts at work, can be more stressful for some kitties than one might expect.
Alternatively, if your cat has always been a hider, this may indicate anxiety or shyness that has always been part of her personality. This doesn’t mean she can’t become more social over time with patient behavior modification, but a kitty for whom hiding is not a new behavior is less likely to have a worrisome medical problem or a new environmental stimulus as the cause.
Ways to Help a Hiding Kitty
When addressing a hiding cat issue, it is crucial that you exhibit patience. Cats tend to operate on their own timeframes and don’t often respond well to pushiness, so calm, slow consistency in attempting to reduce her fear is essential.
Offer her places to “hide” that are just hers. Providing a window perch at a height other animals or children in the house cannot reach or an enclosed kitty condo to the side of living areas may allow her to be more comfortable “hiding” closer to people as well as offer a retreat when she does choose to venture out of her usual hiding places.
If hiding seems to be associated with unusual events, such as a visit to the veterinarian, consider trying to reduce the fear associated with the event going forward. Mild sedatives may reduce the anxiety associated with a car ride and veterinary visit. Alternatively, some cats do better in a clinic specializing in fear free practice or ones which allow only felines. For some cats, the “chase” associated with getting them into the cat carrier for the ride can be the inciting event. Desensitizing your kitty to the carrier may be helpful. This may be achieved by exposing her to it at more positive times than when heading to the clinic as well as offering positive reinforcement such as treats in and around the carrier.
Kitty calming agents around your home may also help. These agents are available at pet supply stores as plug in diffusers or air sprays and can naturally reduce a cat’s anxiety. Reducing anxiety may help your kitty feel more comfortable when exploring areas outside her hiding location.
What NOT to Do
Never chase a fearful, hiding kitty. It can be tempting to approach your cat when she ventures out of her hiding spot for food, water or litterbox needs, however, this chasing is likely to undo any improvements for a long period of time. Rather, offer your kitty rewards at her pace when she ventures out. Positive reinforcement may include tossing a few yummy treats her way (low to the ground as to not inadvertently hit or startle her) or placing a bit of catnip in the area for her to sniff and explore. Sitting quietly in the area to offer your presence in a non-threatening way may allow her to slowly come to you over time.
Also, resist trying to force your kitty to be someone she is not. Accepting your kitty’s individual nature can go a long way in gaining her trust. Such acceptance can help you better meet her needs for space instead of your needs for cuddling. Over time, the trust this builds will be much more likely to draw her to you and allow you to build a closer relationship.
Do not give up on your skittish kitty. Modifying a hiding behavior and bonding with a shy cat can take a lot of patience, consistency and resolve. But often these hard-won mutual connections can be the strongest and most satisfying of all for both of you.