Mary Allen
Under the bed, in the farthest corner of the shelf, or on the wardrobe: cats sometimes hide in the craziest places. PetReader explains why this is – and when the game of hiding and seek could also be a warning signal.
Where is she again? Cat owners know this question only too well. Because kitties are real hiding artists. It is not uncommon to find the velvet paws in unusual places in the apartment. Does your cat also like to hide under the bed or in the closet? There is usually a very simple explanation for this.
But let’s first take a look at the remote corners to which the four-legged friends like to withdraw. In addition to the aforementioned wardrobe and bed, the following hiding spots are also very popular:
- behind pieces of furniture;
- on the shelf;
- in drawers;
- in boxes and boxes.
Hiding Places Offer Peace and Security
In general, cats prefer dark, secluded places to keep their distance. Because sometimes the kitties just need time and space to relax. If everything becomes too much for you, look for a quiet place where you can feel safe.
When choosing a hiding place, two other factors often play a role: altitude, in order to see your surroundings or darkness, in order not to have to see frightening things or situations. For example, you can find your cat in the closet. Or with her head under a towel – if she doesn’t see anything, nobody sees her, right?
If you have several cats in your household, they should all find sufficient retreat, advises the British animal welfare organization “Battersea”. And in a household with children, there should be places for the kitty that the children cannot get to.
The fact that cats hide is in their blood: “Although they are predators, the small size of cats means that they can also become prey to larger animals,” explains Jessica Charo, consultant for cat behavior, to “Best Life Online”. “That is why cats have an obvious need for hiding places that are closed on the sides.”
Your cat’s game of hiding and seek is often a completely normal behavior. But sometimes it can also indicate that your puss is acutely afraid.
Is Your Cat Hiding Out of Fear?
“Cats that are generally more anxious could have an underlying behavior problem due to their genes, trauma, or insufficient socialization,” explains veterinarian Dr. Vanessa Spano opposite “The Dodo”.
But how do you know whether your cat just needs some rest or is really scared? “The key is in the body language,” says Dr. Spano. Because if a cat is hiding in its “safe space” because it is frightened or afraid, it will probably also show other signs of fear.
This includes:
- Big ears
- Puffy fur
- Hiss
- Blink
- Beat
- Crouch
Sometimes a Visit to the Vet Makes Sense
So if you also observe these signs, take your cat to the vet as a precaution – especially if your cat hides for days after moving instead of exploring its new surroundings. This also applies if your cat suddenly hides and otherwise behaves differently. Then an expert should clarify possible health causes.
Because illness could be another reason your cat is hiding. “Cats move away from their ‘pack’ when they are sick because they don’t want to be seen as sick or vulnerable – because the weak are left behind,” explains author Kac Young.
In general, cats should be given the opportunity to hide, says Dr. Spano. As the owner, however, you should make sure that the places of retreat are safe for your cat and that it cannot get injured anywhere.