Don’t Wait and See: When Your Hiding Cat Is a Sign of Trouble

by Britt

Published: August 28th, 2025

Photo credit: Mantikorra / Shutterstock.com

Have you ever returned home from a long day at work only to find your cat squeezed into a dusty corner of the closet or peeking out from under the couch, refusing even to come out when they’re called? It’s easy to laugh it off and think, “My cat’s just being a cat.” But is that all that’s happening?

While it’s true that cats love a good hiding spot, a cat who is suddenly or persistently hiding is often trying to tell you something important. Their disappearance is more than just enjoying some “me time,” it can be a vital clue that there is something “off” in terms of their physical or emotional well-being.

In this post, we’ll explore the different reasons your cat may be hiding, from stress in their home environment to a serious medical issue, so you can determine if your cat’s newest behavior quirk is a normal response to things in their life or a cry for help.

Why Cats Hide

Hiding is an instinctual behavior for cats, rooted in their evolutionary history as both predators and prey. A cat might be in a playful mood, hiding to pounce on a toy or an unsuspecting household member. Our cats love sneaking up on our playful pup, Lucifer. They may also seek out a hiding spot for a quiet nap away from the hustle and bustle of a busy family household. This is the normal side of hiding, and it’s a sign that a cat feels secure and comfortable enough to relax in their environment.

However, there are also times when your cat’s hiding may be a warning sign of an underlying problem. In these cases, the only way to help your cat feel more comfortable in their home is to first address the cause.

Emotional and Behavioral Reasons for Hiding

A cat’s hiding can be a coping mechanism or a response to stress, anxiety, or fear. Changes in the home, such as the arrival of a new baby, the introduction of a new pet, or even just the presence of guests visiting, can feel overwhelming. Loud noises, such as fireworks, thunderstorms, or home renovations, can also send a cat running for cover. In these cases, hiding is their way of managing their sensory overload and reclaiming a sense of control over their environment.

Hiding as a Medical Red Flag

A sudden change in a cat’s behavior, such as hiding when they are usually social, is often a significant red flag. This can signal a serious medical problem requiring a visit to your veterinarian.

A cat in pain or discomfort will often retreat to a secluded spot to avoid being touched or to protect a sensitive area. This could be due to anything from a painful tooth to arthritis or an internal injury. Similarly, a sick cat will instinctively hide, a behavior that dates back to their wild ancestors hiding any signs of vulnerability from predators.

Contact your veterinarian if your cat is hiding and also showing other symptoms, like:

Loss of appetite
Changes in litter box habits
Lethargy
Uncharacteristic aggression when approached

As cats age, they may also start to hide more due to a decline in their senses or because of conditions like feline cognitive dysfunction ( dementia in cats), which can cause disorientation and confusion. It’s critical to remember that cats are masters of hiding their illnesses, which means you must closely monitor any changes in their behavior.

If you are concerned about your cat’s well-being or suspect there could be a medical issue at play, get help as soon as possible. Waiting to see if they “snap out of it” can be dangerous.

When to Reach Out to Your Veterinarian

It can be hard to know when hiding crosses the line from a simple behavioral quirk to a serious or potentially life-threatening medical concern. While it’s always best to follow your gut, here is a checklist of warning signs that can help you recognize when it’s time to call the vet and put an end to the “wait and see” approach:

Duration: If your cat is hiding for more than 24 to 48 hours and won’t even come out for food, water, or to use the litter box, something is wrong.
Accompanying Symptoms: Pay close attention if hiding is paired with any other signs of illness or distress. As I already mentioned, this may include changes in appetite or thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or a noticeable change in their usual behavior.
Unusual Hiding Spots: A cat who normally hides under the bed but is now found cowering in the back corner of the closet may be trying to tell you something significant.
Additional Behavioral Changes: Does your usually friendly, social cat hiss, growl, or swat at you when you approach their hiding spot? This is a serious sign of pain or fear.
Physical Signs: Any visible signs of injury, such as limping, a visible wound, or difficulty breathing, coupled with hiding, should be considered an immediate emergency.

When you bring your cat to the vet, be prepared to discuss any warning signs or changes in detail. Keeping a journal of your cat’s behavior can help ensure you don’t forget anything important.

The vet will likely perform a careful physical exam and ask questions about your cat’s history and any changes you’ve observed. They may recommend diagnostic tests, such as blood work, urinalysis, or X-rays, to get a full picture of what may be happening internally.

Ultimately, a vet visit is the only way to get a definitive diagnosis and identify the proper treatment for your cat. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the health and well-being of your best friend!

Photo credit: Oleg Opryshko / Shutterstock.com

How to Make Your Home a Safe Haven

Creating a home environment where your cat feels secure and confident is one of the best ways to prevent hiding from becoming a habit. The goal is to give them a sense of control and safety, so they don’t feel the need to hide away.

Establishing a Routine

Cats are creatures of habit, and a predictable routine can be incredibly calming. Try to stick to a consistent schedule for feeding, playtime, and grooming. This predictability helps them to feel secure and reduces anxiety by allowing them to know what to expect from moment to moment throughout their day.

Creating Safe Spaces

Your cat needs places to go when they feel overwhelmed. Instead of making them seek out a dusty space behind a washer or a cluttered closet, consider creating intentional, comfortable areas where they can retreat. This includes cat trees with high perches and contained condo spaces, cozy enclosed cat beds placed in quiet corners, or even simple cardboard boxes turned on their side.

In our living room, we set up a wire dog crate with a cloth cover as a mini “cat room” for our cats when they need some quiet time. Inside, we lined the floor of the crate with a large orthopedic dog bed covered in cozy blankets, allowing them to snuggle in or burrow in for a sense of safety and comfort.

These elevated spots and enclosed spaces allow your cat to observe their surroundings from a safe vantage point without feeling exposed.

The Power of Pheromones

Feline pheromone diffusers or sprays can be a game-changer for an anxious cat. These products mimic the natural calming pheromones that cats use to mark their territory as safe, signaling their brain to calm down and relax. Placing a diffuser in the rooms where your cat spends most of their time can help create a more relaxed atmosphere and encourage them to be more present and social.

The Power of Play

Cats are natural predators, and providing opportunities for them to tap into their prey drive is essential for their well-being.

Interactive toys that mimic the erratic movements of small animals are ideal for this purpose. Consider using wand toys with feathers, ribbons, or small plush toys that resemble prey to engage your cat in a fun, active hunt. Schedule a few short play sessions throughout the day. Not only does this provide exercise and satisfy their hunting instincts, leading to a calmer, more content cat, but it’s also a great way to strengthen your bond.

You can even hide treats around the house, creating a tasty and exciting scavenger hunt.

Make Mealtime a Mental Exercise

Serving food in a bowl is easy, but it misses a key opportunity for both physical and mental enrichment. Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, lick mats, or slow feeders can help to turn mealtime into a stimulating challenge. These feeders require your cat to use their problem-solving skills to retrieve their food, allowing them to “hunt” or “forage” for their meal.

This simple change can help prevent them from eating too quickly, provide valuable mental exercise (helping to slow the impact of aging on their brain), alleviate boredom, and prevent the kind of anxiety that can lead to hiding.

Create a Vertical World to Explore

Cats feel safest when they have a vantage point to look out over their territory. This is linked back to their ancestors, who would seek out high places to watch out for predators and survey the area for potential prey. Today, vertical space in your home is a great way to help your cat feel safe, secure, and entertained.

Try installing cat shelves or providing tall cat trees to give your cat a safe place to climb, lounge, and observe their surroundings from above. You can also create a fun vertical play space by repurposing an old bookshelf. You can cut holes between levels to make it easier to navigate, add carpet or sisal rope for scratching, incorporate kitty condos to hide out, or even build in your cat’s food and water dishes.

Another great option is to install a window perch, giving them a change of scenery, a space to lounge in the sun, and providing access to “cat TV.” Creating a comfortable spot by the window allows for a constant source of entertainment from birds, squirrels, and even the people walking by. It can keep them engaged for hours, offering much-needed mental enrichment and distracting them from any stressors in their immediate environment.

Gentle and Positive Interaction

Finally, always approach your cat on their terms. If they are hiding, don’t force them out. Instead, focus on creating a calm space that encourages them to feel safe enough to emerge. Limit any sources of loud noise, like televisions or radios. If you have other pets or young children, consider limiting their access to the space until your cat has had a chance to feel more comfortable.

Speak to your cat in a soft, gentle voice, and offer a treat or a favorite toy to encourage them to come out on their own. In more extreme cases, you may need to leave a bowl of food or a few treats out and leave the space entirely until they are ready to come out.

By using positive reinforcement and giving them space, you teach them that you prioritize their safety and comfort over all else. You also show through experience that their home is a place where they can feel secure.

From Hiding to Thriving

Hiding is a complex behavior in cats, but understanding its root cause is the first step toward a happier, healthier life together. While a cat’s desire for privacy is normal, a sudden or persistent retreat from their family and favorite spots is a sign that something is “off.” By paying close attention to your cat’s behavior and recognizing any other concerning signs of trouble, you can prevent a small problem from becoming a crisis.

Remember, as a cat parent, your intuition is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. Don’t wait and see. Take proactive steps today to create a safe and enriching environment for your cat, and reach out to your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

By understanding your cat’s cues and non-verbal communication, you can act as their advocate and ensure that they feel secure, confident, and most importantly, loved.

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 3 cats – Pippen, Jinx, and Theia. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Common choices include tiny pieces of cooked chicken or turkey, a small cube of cheese, a dab of tuna (in water, not oil), or a smear of xylitol-free peanut butter. But don’t overdo it. The goal here is to use only a small amount of the food so you can guarantee that your pet eats the entire medicated portion in one go and doesn’t just eat around the pill. I recommend not hiding pills in your pet’s regular food bowl, especially if they are fighting the pilling process. Otherwise, you may create a negative association with their regular food, leading to them turning their nose up at the usual dinners. One useful trick that helps to leave your pet with a positive feeling about the process is to deliver the medicated food in a “treat sandwich” approach. First, give them a piece of the food entirely unmedicated, then a piece containing the pill, and finally another plain piece as a reward.

Dog Lost in the Woods? Here's How to Find Him Quickly!

(photo credit: StockPhotoArt / shutterstock.com)Don’t you love the heartwarming stories of dogs that are found after being lost for days, weeks, months and even years? Or the ones that travel hundreds of miles to make it home to their families? While they’re definitely upbeat, feel-good stories, make no mistake, I’m determined to avoid ever having to experience the anxious waiting and worry that those pet parents would have had to endure. And unlike losing a dog in a populated, urban area, having them go missing when away from home or worse, in the wild, takes on a whole new sense of urgency.My guess is that many pet owners would be hard-pressed to say their pooch had the survival instincts needed to get through more than a few days without food, water, shelter, and warmth. Not to mention having the innate skills needed to evade predatory wildlife.So, when you’re in the great outdoors, keeping your dog visible and/or within calling range is important, but equally so is knowing how to quickly track him down when he takes off and isn’t responding to your calls.PreventionAccording to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the first step in safeguarding your pet from becoming lost is to prevent it from ever happening, and that includes:- microchipping- using GPS collars- training- leashing or securingWhile micro-chipping is a no-brainer in an urban environment where a good Samaritan can find your little buddy and take them to a local vet or animal services for scanning, it’s not an option when you’re in a heavily rural or wilderness area.

How Do I Keep My Bird Entertained?

Birds are smart, social animals that need regular stimulation to stay mentally and physically healthy. Without enough enrichment, birds can become bored, stressed, or even develop behavioral and health issues. The good news is that there are many simple, effective ways to keep your bird engaged every day.Provide a Variety of ToysToys are one of the easiest ways to keep your bird busy and entertained. Birds love to chew, shred, and explore, so choose toys made from bird-safe materials like wood, rope, or plastic. Items with moving parts, bells, or textures can be especially engaging. Puzzle toys and foraging toys that encourage problem-solving are excellent for mental stimulation.

The Pros and Cons of Catios for Feline Companions

“Catio” is a cute term for an enclosed patio for cats—in other words, it’s a “cat patio.” It can stand on its own as an outdoor cat enclosure, or it can be connected to a window or door that leads to your backyard space. Either way, it lets your kitty spend time outside while remaining safely confined.

New Report Reveals Exciting Shifts in How We Love Our Pets

If you’re like most pet parents, you’re always looking for ways to give your best friend the most amazing life possible. And it turns out, you’re not alone! The American Pet Products Association (APPA) recently released their 2025 Dog & Cat Report, offering interesting insights into how pet ownership is growing and evolving. Spoiler: It’s showing our dedication to our pets is stronger than ever! For years, dogs seemed to be in the spotlight, but the APPA’s new data suggests 2024 was truly “The Year of the Cat.” They reported an impressive 23% increase in cat ownership in 2024, with 49 million U.S. households now including a cat in their family, up from 40 million in 2023. What’s more, cat parents are embracing multi-cat households like never before. The number of homes with three or more cats has jumped by a surprising 36% since 2018.But it’s not just about quantity; it’s about quality. Cat parents are building even stronger bonds with their kitties. The report shows a significant jump in the number of cat parents using training methods (up 41% since 2018) and purchasing items like leashes and harnesses. Yes, you read that right, even more cat parents are now exploring outside the home with their cats (and as a cat mom who loves to camp and hike with my own cats, I’m here for it)! For those who love to celebrate, cat birthday parties and pet-themed merchandise are also gaining popularity, showing just how big of a role our cats play in our daily lives. Dog parents also continue to build stronger connections with their pups, integrating them into nearly every aspect of their lives. Dogs are no longer just pets. They are companions, travel buddies, and best friends. The report highlights that dog parents increasingly include their pups in daily routines, promoting active and healthy living. Over half of dog parents (53%) take their dogs on daily errands on foot at least once a week. Travel with our furry friends is also on the rise, with more dogs flying (74% in the last year, up from 68% in 2023) and consistently hitting the open road with us by car. If you’ve ever wished you could bring your dog to work, you’re in good company. Nearly half of dog parents (49%) expressed interest in a dog-friendly workplace. These trends underscore a desire to honestly share our daily experiences, even the mundane and routine ones (like work), with our best friends. Beyond companionship, the report emphasized that there has been a growing focus on prioritizing proactive pet wellness, especially when it comes to nutrition and supplements. Pet parents are increasingly opting to purchase premium pet foods and functional add-ons. In 2024, premium food purchases increased for dog and cat parents, while basic food purchases declined. There has also been a notable growth in the use of mixers and toppers for pet food, with increases of over 129% for dogs and 138% for cats since 2018. Vitamins and supplements are also seeing a significant boost, being used by over half of dog parents (53%) and more than a third of cat parents (34%). Popular choices include supplements for joint health, multivitamins, pre- and probiotics, digestion supplements ( especially for cats), and those supporting skin and coat health. Ultimately, the report paints a clear picture: pet parenting is changing and evolving, and our dedication to providing the best possible quality of life for our pets is definitely the top priority! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Dog Who Went Missing Eight Years Ago Found 300 Miles From Home

Back in 2017, when Hurricane Harvey tore through Texas, a small brindle pug mix named Blue slipped through a broken fence in Corpus Christi and vanished into the chaos.Her family did everything they could to find her. They drove around for hours, called her name, made flyers, posted online, but Blue was just gone. Days turned into weeks, then months. Eventually, they had to face the heartbreaking possibility that Blue wasn’t coming back.Fast forward eight years.In early July, a stranger in Waco spotted a scruffy little dog wandering into a public restroom at Cameron Park. The pooch looked nervous but not wild, just tired, maybe a little lost. The person scooped the dog up and took it to a local shelter, the Circle Animal Shelter, where staff scanned for a microchip. To everyone’s surprise, the dog was chipped and registered to a family 300 miles away in Corpus Christi. Same name. Same phone number. And when the shelter called, the woman on the other end started crying.“I couldn’t believe it,” Blue’s owner told shelter staff over the phone. “After all this time... I never thought I’d hear about her again.”Shelter staff said Blue’s tail started wagging the minute she heard her owner’s voice. “She definitely recognized her name,” one of them said. “And you could just feel that spark, like something clicked.”The family immediately made plans to reunite, and met halfway between Waco and Corpus Christi. Photos from the day show Blue curled up in the backseat of the car, resting her head in her mom’s lap like no time had passed. They brought treats, her old blanket, and even the same squeaky toy she used to love. It was like turning the page back eight years.“She climbed right into my arms,” her owner said later. “Like she knew exactly who I was. She never forgot.”No one knows where Blue has been all this time. Maybe someone took her in. Maybe she got passed around, or perhaps she wandered town to town on her own, surviving off scraps and kindness. Her fur was matted, and she was underweight, but otherwise healthy, which only made the mystery deeper. One thing’s for sure though, she’s a survivor.The team at Circle Animal Shelter used the story to remind people why microchips matter. It’s not just about tagging your dog; it’s about giving them a way home, even years later.“This is why we always push for microchipping,” one shelter volunteer said. “You never think it’ll happen to you until it does. Blue’s story could’ve ended very differently if she hadn’t been chipped, or if the contact info was out of date.”It’s worth noting that Blue isn’t the only dog to find their way home years after Hurricane Harvey. Another dog, Maddie, was reunited with her family four years after the storm. Both cases are a living proof that microchipping works. And miracles happen.Now back home in Corpus Christi, Blue is adjusting to her old life like a pro. She’s a little older, sure. She moves slower and naps more. But she’s sleeping in her old bed again. Sitting by the same sunny window she loved as a puppy. She even perked up when she heard the jingle of her old collar being taken out of the drawer.“She’s just… home,” her owner said. “It’s like a piece of our family came back to us.”And for pet lovers everywhere, that’s the kind of ending we all hope for.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why Does My Pet Follow Me Into the Bathroom?

It’s a scene pet parents know all too well. You close the bathroom door, sit down for a little me time… and suddenly, there’s a paw scratching at the door. Or worse, unblinking eyes staring directly at you while you’re doing your business.Why, exactly, is your pet obsessed with your bathroom routine?Let’s break down this strangely universal phenomenon.

Shelter Dog Adopted and Returned Twice for Being Too Playful

A North Carolina shelter dog was returned by potential new owners not once, but twice, because he was deemed too playful!DJ, believed to be one year old, was in a high-intake shelter in North Carolina earlier this year, before being transferred to the SPCA of Wake County. Although no one knows what happened to this pooch before, it’s clear DJ has a lot of love to give.According to Samantha Ranlet, communications manager at the SPCA of Wake County, DJ is an adorable goofball who has never had a negative thought about anybody. “DJ lives in a world full of rainbows and sunshine,” said Ranlet. “Our staff spends a lot of enrichment time with him outside in the kiddie pool or playing with the hose - not only to keep him cool in the heat but because he lights up when he gets to play in the water.”Finding DJ a home didn’t seem to be difficult since he was adopted fast. Unfortunately for DJ, his new owners returned him to the shelter because they couldn’t manage his energy and friendliness.It wasn’t long before DJ was adopted again, and the shelter’s staff believed he got a second chance at a good life. However, just two days after the adoption, DJ’s new owners returned him to the shelter.“He’d been in that home for two days during a trial adoption period, which gives families a chance to see how the pet fits into their home before finalizing anything. He was returned because he was trying to befriend their cats, and the cats didn’t appreciate his offers of friendship,” said Ranlet.The Wake County SPCA shared in a Facebook post that DJ was available for adoption after being returned for a second time by new owners.“DJ’s been returned twice for being too playful with other animals in the home. He wants to be friends sooooo badly, but unfortunately, his high energy, goofy antics, and in-your-face play style haven’t meshed well with calmer companions,” the shelter wrote, adding that this spirited pooch isn’t the right fit for everyone. “Now he’s back here with us, and we are on a mission - to find him a forever home and a dork-astic animal friend who can keep up with his little-legged zoomies,” the shelter added. After his second failed adoption, everyone at the shelter was heartbroken to see the energetic pooch back again. However, DJ didn’t dwell on the past and was back outside playing in the pool the same day.Soon after he arrived at the shelter, DJ was prescribed trazodone, an antidepressant medicine often given to people for anxiety and insomnia. The treatment was of great help for DJ, who has struggled with the unpredictability of shelter life.“DJ’s energy and anxiety were in overdrive when he first arrived at the shelter, but we’ve discovered that he’s much happier on a medication called trazodone. These meds help him go from a frightened fella that hunches and startles at the sound of the door opening to a lively, playful pup who loves flopping around in the pool.”While DJ future looked bleak, not all was lost. Following the shelter’s Facebook post, the pooch was adopted again, for the third time. The pup’s new owners renamed him Nova, and with three other dogs in their home, he has plenty of friends to play with.“We explained to his new family the reasons he’d been returned before, so they knew they were signing up for a playful, energetic dog, and that was just what they were looking for,” said Ranlet. Let’s hope the third time is the charm for this lively pup!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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