Hiding is commonly considered as a normal and healthy part of being a cat. However, hiding is excessive if it interferes with the daily activities that cats need to do.

Why Is My Cat Hiding?

Fear — Cats hide to protect themselves from things they perceive as dangerous or stressful. They hide to seek out a safe and comfortable place. When frightened by a stranger or a loud noise, cats often respond by hiding.

Relax — Cats hide to relax in a space that feels secure. A hiding cat might just be relaxing the best way they know how–curling up in a secluded spot.

Play — Cats hide to play. Cats are natural hunters who often hide when they play to mimic hunting behavior. They may hide in bushes, behind trees and tall grass while hunting in the wild.

Illness — It is very common for cats to retreat and hide when they are experiencing physical discomfort. Cats hide because they are sick or in pain. Staying out of sight is a way for cats to hide any signs of weakness from potential predators.

Instinct — Hiding behavior is an instinct. They are instinctively driven to hide when they are hunting prey and avoiding being prey for other predators.

Common Cat Hiding Places

Cats will choose some very odd places to hide which are away from the hubbub of your home in the neighborhood, including small, dark, enclosed areas, especially areas that are elevated so cats can survey their surroundings.

What Should I Do?

Get a cat tower — Give your cat a safe place of their own with a cat tree or condo. It provides an enclosed place for your cat to relax, play, exercise, sleep… Let your feline explore safe places to hide and know where these are in case you need to find her quickly.

Consult your vet — If your cats started hiding all of a sudden, you should take them to the vet to make sure there isn’t something more serious going on.