Why Do Cats Love To Hide?
You may have seen your cat hide in the most unusual places - the top of your wardrobe, cardboard boxes, laundry baskets and even inside shoes (in some cases). They have the ability to find the smallest and uncanniest of spaces and squeeze themselves in to hide. You might wonder about this strange habit of your cat. We have listed down various possible reasons your cat might love to stay hidden. Let’s explore some of them:
Reasons cats love to hide
1
Shyness:
When a cat is not used to her surroundings and the people around her, her first instinct is to shy away. They need time to get accustomed to the new environment. All you can do is give her the time and space she needs to get comfortable. Gradually, she will come out of her hiding space more and more, to explore her new home. In some cases if it doesn’t work and she still wants to stay hidden, try to lure her out with treats or toys.
2
To take a nap:
Cats are very fond of sleeping. If they find a warm, cozy and sometimes dark spot to nap in, they take no time in claiming that spot. Finding a dark, cozy corner at nap time is just something cats do to feel safe and secure. If you see your cat sleeping in a hidden spot, just let her sleep and enjoy her nap.
3
Playing/Hunting:
Hunting is in a cat’s genes and they usually hide while hunting or stalking their prey. Cats like to stay out of their prey’s sight and leap at them so as to catch them off guard. For a wild cat, hunting usually means getting something to eat but in a household, pet cats are well provided for. However, they sometimes display such behaviors in home environments, to fulfill their natural instincts.
4
Stress/Anxiety:
If your cat is hiding for prolonged periods of time, they may be stressed about something. Think back to when this change in behavior started and try to identify the triggers that could have caused stress for your cat. Changes in the environment, addition to the family, unfamiliar guests, etc, could be the cause of distress for your cat. During such stressful situations, your cat may decide to hide till she’s ready to come out.
5
Medical issues:
An injured or unwell cat will often withdraw and find a safe space to hide while they recover. Cat’s like to be self-reliant which is why their first move is to hide when they are unwell but if you feel that your cat is hiding because of a medical issue, it would be beneficial to visit a vet.
6
Pregnancy:
When female cats are in labor, they find a safe, comfortable and quiet place to hide to give birth. At this point, you can only ensure that your cat has everything she needs, make her as comfortable as possible and let nature do its work.
Cats are very mysterious and solitary beings, you can never predict some of their actions. Hiding comes as a second nature to cats as they enjoy playing around in small spaces. Therefore, don’t be too alarmed if you can’t find your cat. She may just be resting in one of her hiding spots. Everyone needs a timeout, even cats so just give her the time and space she wants and she’ll come back on her own eventually.
