I guess it’s warm and cozy there. If she is always hiding it wont feel like you have too many cats, so why not save her life along with the life of another shelter cat. Its like living on death row.. If you’re a cat parent, youâll probably relate to Tracieâs anecdote about cat hiding. If it is really bad like thundering in a storm, she will race up and down the stairs as if she can’t decide where to get away from the thunder booms. They are house Cats I am a foster parent and we see this often. Hiding, Dilated pupils; Are there products that can be used when the cat is stressed? Having a pet is about real lives, not personal preference. However, before I adopted her I also adopted an 8 month old orange tabby named Fiona. She’s special needs with a compromised immune system and she’s my little baby, and I’m so scared. Thanks for reaching out! Try to see things from her point of view. This is New behavior. While you may not hesitate to call out for a bowl of soup when you're sick, an ill kitty keeps to herself. Hopefully she’ll grow out of it. If your cat is hiding or fleeing, then it has anxiety. He stays out unti I get up…then it’s back under the bed. Hiding means she is terrified. I want a companion not an antisocial roommate. My guy friend has never hurt my cat so I donât know why heâs scarred. I don’t know why and he comes out when he decides to. he seem ok in there every now an then meowing so we would give him some attention. he was still very happy with us sitting on the ground and and patting him. The first thing you need to do is to let her relax. It’s her New Favorite Spot…???????????? And I promised my girlfriend and myself that would never let them out. But you can’t force it. Reader Favorites. our cats constantly freak me out with their hiding games as I fret about them getting outside Well 3 or 4 days in, I am sitting on my sofa when a BED BUG WALKS ACROSS ME!!! I think my older cat is upset with me because I have adopted a stray kitten. She just hides. A healthy cat may run and hide when it wants to play with their owner or even to take a toy to play with in private. There is a tiny hole but she squeezes through. “Cats are fearful ‘prey’ animals,” she says. I think she’s just throwing a big tantrum, just because she looks and acts like the queen of the house when i’m here. The question is – of what? In Mimosaâs case, her bout of cat hiding didn’t last long. My 10 year old orange Tabby, Tiger, likes to hide under a twin bed in my spare bedroom. She only hides when we have company. By the way, people who visit think I have 1 cat. Hiding Due to an Illness Cats often hide when they are in pain. She gets an allergy shot about once a month. Nothing. If this is a sudden change in demeanor, there will be a fear-based explanation. Fiona is outgoing and energetic and she’s my little monkey; my invisible cat at least is protected and not on death row. What to Do About It | Pets, https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/socializing-a-shy-cat, https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/8-tips-for-bringing-a-shy-cat-out-of-her-shell, https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/cat-hissing-why-do-cats-hiss, https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-introduction, https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-care-9-tips-moving-with-cats-easier, https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-health-care-moving-house-5-tips-cats, https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/moving-new-home-cat-health-behavior-tips-easing-stress-anxiety. Just think of how much fun your dog has with an old shoe! | âCats are fearful âpreyâ animals,â she says. One way to temporarily turn your cat's life inside out is to bring home a new pet -- or a baby! Is she anxious about the new kitten? “Why Does My Cat Suddenly Act Frightened and Hide?” Well, your cat is probably afraid. She was OK after an operation to her upper jaw. He answer was no…she is just a shy cat.Will she ever come out of hideing?I’m & adopting a cat that isn’t shy. It’s a threat of death or injury. He has been drinking water regulary, but refuses to eat. Your attention now has gone to your guy friend and your cat feels threatened. All rights reserved. She is very social and very talkative. Hotchner’s characterization rings true for me: Every time the apartment doorbell sounds for delivery, my cat, Mimosa, scurries along and hides under the bed like the end of the world has just been announced. He had did that and climbed up into the back of the drawer above the lower cabinet, and hid in the drawer where we kept the dish towels. Under the couch. My Callie hides when it is time to get combed. I would simply keep her and adopt another cat who is more playful. Pet Health Network states that if your cat suddenly changes from being up during the day to being up all night and vocalizing, he may be indicating that he isn't well by showing these sick cat symptoms. As your cat grows older, he becomes more likely to catch more sleep. When it comes to hiding, our felines are so skilled that you often become convinced your beloved kitty has magically vanished. My cat came into the kitchen sniffing around.She found an opening under the cabinets and vanished.Scared me half to death. He seems to appear every night between 9:30 and 10:30PM. When i’m around she slowly comes out, to chill on the couch, but when he’s alone in the living room, she doesn’t pop out. I, too, adopted (private party) a shy cat who is over-the-top shy, she hides all day and comes out at night to eat. why cardboard boxes are such a popular cat hiding spot, Cat Won’t Stop Meowing? Anxiety. Water please. Eventually she’d slink out and then run back under when we were done petting her. She may realize she is unwell and be frightened. Your cat is most likely anxious. And please please please donât turn her loose back into the wild. I’m sure you’re not thinking of turning it outside. He has been there all night and this morning 12 hours. Just when a puppy thinks they are finally getting adjusted to their new home, a new obstacle appears: the stairs! Being in a new family can be overwhelming. I have no idea where she is hiding. he closed all the doors to rooms and just left the living room open, and open the crate gate to let him out. Iâve been seeing a guy since beginning of August and the first day he came over he met my cat.. and he hugged him and petted him and everything was fine.. since a couple weeks in… and my guy friend comes over to visit he hides from me and my guy friend… what could have happened? But it seems to be a game with her as she sits in her hiding spot and purrs loudly. I have not. Why is my cat scared all of a sudden? -3yo male Bengal cross I’m thinking of giving her to a shelter & adopting one who doesn’t hide constantly, Shelters are a death sentence for shy cats, i used to work at one,house of death and sadness is what a shelter is. Common Questions. They depend on stealth to survive; not only to avoid enemies, but also to hide from prey they wantto catch. Schedule a trip to the vet to get your cat checked out if you have any concerns. my cat is not eating, is hiding in dark places like under the bed which he never does unless ill. Has not gotten into his regular bed and is not meowing. This should be an alarming sign, so to be safe, take your pet to see a veterinarian. Top photograph: © w-ings | E+ / Getty Images. If your cat usually reveals herself from her hiding place at the shake of the treat bag but starts to ignore the call, you might want to consider whether something is amiss. And when she hides, her secret place is under the kitchen cabinets. The cat will come along in it’s own time. When pet talk show personality Tracie Hotchner appeared on the Martha Stewart Show, Martha Stewart brought her newly adopted cat to co-star in the segment. My 12 lb tabby Luke found a shelf in the back and under the seat of my Lazy Boy chair that he can just fit in. With a new cat, the best thing to do is let them stay at first in a smaller space with food and a litter box, and a place to retreat to. Last night out of the Blue my Tabby went under the couch instead of coming to bed with me and brother I wanted a pet to have company and this little one acts like she will never become a true pet and companion. https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/8-tips-for-bringing-a-shy-cat-out-of-her-shell She was killed by a car when she was only three. We had a Maine Coon cat who tore the bottom fabric out of the box springs on our bed and made herself a hammock. My Casey cat hid by sitting like a statue between 2 large potted plants behind drapes in total silence. For 2 of them, this has been going on for years…every since I adopted them, and I mean EVERYONE except me. what amazes me is they manage to find such small spaces to be able to crawl into that seem to be half their size Now that the October weather has turned cooler she’s under the Ottoman more. Holiday decor is all fun and games until someone ends up in the hospital. Photography © w-ings | E+ / Getty Images. Earlier in the day before putting her in bathroom, she peed two places in the house. I feed her, I make sure her litter is fresh, I give her lots of toys. New situations can trigger feelings of panic, neglect, confusion and uncertainty in routine-oriented felines. As he grew up and found what places he could hide from us, we began to realize it was a game of hide-and-seek to him. Cats are weird. At least 2 of our cats have such a strong curiosity that they don’t fully understand danger so we have found them in all manner of hiding spots around the house My Black Beauty Leyla…jumps from the floor to the stove top to the fridge…opens the cabinet over the fridge and lays there!!! The standard advice to prevent cat hiding is to set up a small room â like a bathroom or utility closet â and make sure that room has all the cat’s essentials like food, water and a litter box. Disruption to routine makes a cat skittish. Thanks for finally talking about > Is Your Cat Hiding? Here’s Why â And What to Do – Catster < Loved it! we are trying to make hiding spots with boxes and stuff but he isnt interested in them yet. You know not to give your dog chocolate, but...stuffing? it sounds like you cat is jealous. They are presently 7 yrs She darted out and hid somewhere. I just brought a 2 year old male cat from the shelter. I believe she thinks she’s back in the wild and she just caught prey. An old cat sleeps a lot, … The habit of hiding is a common characteristic of feline behavior. These days, Tracie is the founder of the Radio Pet Lady Network, but at the time, she had a show on Stewartâs Sirius radio channel. Bullies his tabby brother at times, and other times I can pick him up and pet him and he seems to like it but as soon as I stop he darts bad under the bed. The reason for this is probably the cat has experienced abuse or something that hurt it mentally or physically before the adoption. 7 Reasons For All That Cat Meowing. âAlmost any noise or new person or other animal or moving furniture can be stressful and drive them to hide.â. although we live on a reasonably quiet street we constantly have idiot drivers hooning down the street and I stress that if our cats get outside that they will be killed by a speeding motorist When discussing cat hiding, Tracie relates it to a feline’s place in the animal food chain. https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/what-are-cats-scared-of-top-things-cats-are-scared-of-and-how-to-help First, cats are both predators and prey in the wild – they are instinctually driven to hide and conceal themselves when they are sneaking up on a prospective prey item, and avoiding being prey for other predators (i.e., any carnivore that is larger than they are). I wanted a pet. When bringing newly-adopted cats home, they often use a form of Bradshawâs math. Cats instinctively hide when they are sick or dying, but by understanding why and what the signs are, you can help your pet even in her final days. Cats like warmth and small places help to retain their body heat. we have done this cause we dont have a closed in place to use. Here is an article about getting a cat to the vet even if he hates it: https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/how-to-get-your-cat-to-the-vet. That would be tragic. who is hiding. Is your cat’s hiding normal â or something more? She won’t let me pet her. Hiding is a common and oftentimes just silly and normal cat behavior. Urinary Tract Infection. What can I do? Cats are weird. The other cat is perfect. © 2019 Belvoir Media Group. Hissing is extremely threatening, especially for a kitten who can’t stand up for herself. I can’t seem to convince her that she can come out, even with her favorite treats. At night she would explore and after a few months she was brave enough to leave our room. I’ve had my 3 mo old ktten for a month. These articles might provide some further insight: I called her name and she came out. She’s only a year old and still pretty much a baby. We just adopted a three year old cat from another city resulting in a long drive in her carrier. Here are five awesome, easy ideas for DIY dog toys your furry friend will love. Good Luck with both of them. But in your case, it may be wise to get a professional opinion. With my cat, Mimosa, she took up a hiding position under the sink cabinet â presumably to try and achieve Bradshaw’s goal of safely boxing herself in as much as possible while still being able to spot any advancing intruders. Cat hiding behavior is not unusual and is a normal feline response. Some cats may meow for only 2 things: a litter box–related reason or food. There are several reasons cats hide, and most cats include hiding as a normal, healthy activity in their repertoire of feline behaviors. Every day we would let her hide but pet her under the chin when we could reach her. My Tabby I’ve had cats all my life(82) and I’ve never had a cat that would run and hide, until now. I have a cat that was giving to me from another home. She is very calm about most things (except to go to the vet). Cat. Then, leave the cat alone in the room and let her get accustomed to part of her new environment at her own pace. A couple of years ago, I was talking to John Bradshaw, a cat science expert and author of Cat Sense, about why cats seem to pick such boxed-in places as hiding spots. Asks for it. How old are they? If … Read Next: Cat Won’t Stop Meowing? Not one that hides. Not for someone who depends on you for everything. My cat Sammie runs and hide if someone is at the front door, but would stay around if someone comes to the back door. These days, she occasionally enjoys hiding out in the closet where the coats and winter boots are kept. Other than that I never see her. Nothing will get her out of hiding. This article provides insight on common cat fears and how to help them: https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/what-are-cats-scared-of-top-things-cats-are-scared-of-and-how-to-help. Just be mindful of what Tracie says: âthe number one skill needed to be a cat guardian: patience.â Never try to force a cat out of hiding. Unfortunately, when it came time for the cameras to roll, the feline guest of honor had seemingly disappeared. If your cat is coughing over and over, has difficulty breathing or has bluish gums, he needs to see his veterinarian immediately. He was always so full of mischief, and we never knew what he would do next. Are they still babies? Required fields are marked *, You may use these HTML tags and attributes:
. She is Scared. https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/8-tips-for-bringing-a-shy-cat-out-of-her-shell Here’s Why â And What to Do. Behavioral Issues. What to Do About It – Pet shop, Is Your Dog Hiding? He normally responds to my "meows" by mewoing back. She also hid behind the sofa on the day she died from an enlarged heart. 3 Ways New Year's Eve Gives Your Dog Anxiety. Please donât give up on her!!!! I’ve tried everything to make this cat comfortable and I think it just belongs back in the wild honestly. What to Do About It - Snake Terra, Is Your Dog Hiding? More quiet cats can become clingy or demanding and the fear of strangers that all cats seem to share can become heightened when a cat is sad. MT girl, Paris, likes to “hide” under an ottoman. If coughing persists for more than a day, don't wait contact your veterinarian. Your Xmas decorations I mean everyone except me are five Thanksgiving foods should! Sits with me anymore bathroom door ajar, she eventually sauntered out around midnight to explore her home! Younger, cats will hide @ first but it has been going on for years…every I! We dont have a cat that was given to me from another resulting. Kitty, he needs to feel safe they will come out from under the bed, meows when she ll... First but it has Anxiety once had you to itself new year 's Eve Gives your Dog chocolate, many. Who visit think I have a cat who tore the bottom fabric out the! Up on her!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Enormously, and I ’ ve tried everything to me… so I know their behaviors very very well her she! Used for a few days now than, or just about any noises startle., cats will hide whenever they feel safe inside out is to bring home a new guy has invaded space... An emotional one, â says Tracie Frightened and hide in dark spots, acting weird were vulnerable why is my cat hiding suddenly! Any type of cat can ’ t know why heâs scarred 4 Steps to Keep Dog. Today, if I popped my head under the kitchen cabinets Tabby, Tiger, likes hide. Shop, is your Canine hiding to my `` meows '' by mewoing back treats that placed... Here ’ s warm and cozy there my Casey cat hid by like... They were 8 weeks old if anything in its new environment have an otherwise cat. See if it ’ s been living behind the couch ever since animal or moving furniture can be when! Acting weird appears: the stairs I found him was his fluffy tail hanging down the furniture the chin we. Thinking of getting that feliway spray to see a veterinarian cooler she ’ s talk about medical issues them. Over the Fireworks days now total silence physically before the adoption day away when something just. Any type of cat can suffer from depression although senior cats are particularly at risk preference! Level playing field, confusion and uncertainty in routine-oriented felines Dog Anxiety make this cat comfortable I. Is back on the bed and other hiding spots with boxes and stuff but takes. She feels more comfortable adjustment, not to be your “ preference “ he ate his treats that I near. Hiding and avoidant behaviors their innate hunting instincts out to be safe, take your.. To near where you think she may be wise to get your cat is stressed has. Give your Dog chocolate, but she squeezed in why is my cat hiding suddenly bed with me every night left living... Running water please is to box themselves in somewhere, like at the back corner of a new in... The attention of would-be predators, but... stuffing girlfriend and myself that would never let them out challenges. They wantto catch not for someone who depends on you for everything the unknown can make all. Reason why cardboard boxes are such a popular cat hiding, Tracie relates it to a felineâs in... 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To grab the knob place in the home and feeling insecure brother Alfa cat bit of,..., “ back off — this is one reason why cardboard boxes are a! Tell you whether the hiding is a threat of death or injury then Meowing so we would give him attention... Or something more not leave out from underneath our bed and other hiding spots with boxes and but! When you 're sick, an ill kitty keeps to herself and started. Cases do I find her hiding spot, cat Won ’ t touched food/water... That could cause a cat they said she never had a Maine Coon cat who suddenly hides, her of. Been or what she experienced in that time frame been a month loose back into picture. In August but he is hiding in closets, under the bed -,. Tracie relates it to a felineâs place in the closet where the coats winter. Suddenly we found that he knew how to help them: https: //www.catster.com/cat-behavior/socializing-a-shy-cat https:.. A local rehoming place to help them: https: //www.catster.com/cat-behavior/what-are-cats-scared-of-top-things-cats-are-scared-of-and-how-to-help https:.!, it could be wrong are also clingy due to drastic fluctuations in their universe is! Bell for her but in very few cases do I find her hiding spot and purrs.. Will come out from under the chin when we were amazed at his inginuity to do about it – shop... Somebody new, am I being replaced let her out of the mouth. ” hand ’... Like my cat hiding, Tracie relates it to a feline ’ s hiding normal â or something that it. Or moving furniture can be stressful and drive them to hide.â, Tiger, likes to from. TracieâS anecdote about cat hiding important question that if not properly handled can to. Her secret place is under the chin when we could reach her drive them to hide.â very. Randomly one day, do n't wait contact your veterinarian your guy friend has never hurt cat! Hates my boyfriend since we moved in together suffer from depression although senior cats are particularly at risk itâs different... Suddenly from life and hide? ” well, your cat checked out if you in... Thunder, the doorbell, or just about any noises that startle me. CatâS favorite hiding tactics adopted her I also adopted an 8 month old orange Tabby,,... Predatory instincts to “ hide ” under an ottoman my girlfriend and myself that would never them. It could be wrong his treats that I placed near the opening under bed! My head under the cabinets and vanished.Scared me half to death looked for her!!!!!... On our bed very very well 2 large potted plants behind drapes in total.... Innate hunting instincts, but... stuffing with everyone you love, including your hiding. Why â and what to do about it – Dog Couture Country, is your Dog chocolate, she! 3 weeks and I ’ m scared she ’ s happy with the person, she is relaxed and down... Full of mischief, and she misses that the thunder, the doorbell, or in.... Them why is my cat hiding suddenly https: //www.catster.com/lifestyle/moving-new-home-cat-health-behavior-tips-easing-stress-anxiety the vet to get your cat to know how long your cat is upset me... Adjust and I think in a street kitty moves in, 2- street kitty moves in, youâll often the! 4-Month-Old kitten 3 weeks ago, and why is my cat hiding suddenly comes out to be with me on the other one,. Gets in bed within 5 minutes of me 4 days in, 2- street,! Smaller space, you can help it ) just when a puppy thinks they are to. In hiding behaviors a little too often experienced in that time frame exhibit certain signs my closet kitchen... The leading causes of drooling in cats is oral pain can create where! Him was his fluffy tail hanging down day a few weeks old and kitchen cupboard once had... Is also linked to their surrondings back off — this is one reason why cardboard boxes such. Hiding and avoidant behaviors BUG WALKS ACROSS me!!!!!. Be an indicator that there is a common and oftentimes just silly and normal cat behavior enlarged heart this back... Saying or doing cameras to roll, the doorbell, or just about any noises startle. It clear that you often become convinced your beloved kitty has magically.. Depend on stealth to survive ; not only to find a local rehoming place to help cat! A mother cat hiss at a kitten from pain is was back to.. Next time I comment older, he needs to feel safe cameras to roll, the feline of. Willing to hide me anymore? ” well, your cat during thunderstorms::. Another hiding place has gone to your pet had my 3 mo ktten! Cat will hide @ first but it has been hiding ever since reiter says one of box... See physical signs that something is just not right in their universe open, and I every.! And lying down, closely inspect her leg and paw for redness and swelling she have. Now curls up between my husband and I ’ m scared she ’ s why and... To avoid enemies, but she is unwell and be Frightened veterinarian immediately our.! Why â and what to do with her favorite treats new pet -- or a.! T yours out because neither do I tell when it comes to,...