Why Is My Cat Hiding?

Under the bed, behind the couch, at the back of the cupboard: cats are experts at disappearing. A little hiding is completely normal cat behaviour. But sudden or constant hiding is often your cat telling you they feel unsafe, stressed or unwell.

Why cats hide

• Feeling safe: small, enclosed spaces make cats feel protected.
• Change: moving house, new furniture, visitors or a new pet.
• Noise: fireworks, storms, building work or loud parties.
• A new home: newly adopted cats often hide for days while they settle in.
• Feeling unwell: cats instinctively hide pain and illness.

What really helps

1. Give them a safe spot. A covered cat bed, a box or a cat tree hideaway in a quiet room.
2. Let them come out on their own. Never drag a hiding cat out.
3. Keep food, water and the litter box close by, so they don’t have to cross scary spaces.
4. Keep things calm and predictable, with regular meal times and a quiet home.
5. Tempt them gently with treats and a soft voice when they peek out.
6. Add high places. Many cats feel safer up high, on shelves or cat trees.

When to speak to a vet

See your vet if your normally social cat suddenly hides, and also stops eating, drinks much more or less, has trouble in the litter box, cries when touched, or seems weak or unsteady. Hiding is one of the main ways cats show they are in pain.

The heart of it

When your cat hides, they’re looking for safety. Give them a cosy place of their own and a calm, patient home, and you’ll find them curled up beside you again in no time.