Why do cats hide? Here are six reasons…
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Why do cats hide?” In this article, we’ll look at six common reasons why your cat sometimes chooses to hide.
In the wild, hiding is a survival tactic that allows a cat to avoid predators and protect themselves. This instinct is still present in domestic house cats. That’s why cats often hide when they experience stress.
Six common reasons include…
Loud Noises
Sudden loud noises, such as fireworks or thunderstorms, can be frightening to cats and cause them to hide.
New Environment
If a cat is in a new environment, such as a new home or a vet’s office, it may hide as a way of feeling secure.
Illness or Injury
If a cat is sick or injured, it may hide to avoid further pain or discomfort. A cat may also wish to recover undisturbed.
Fear
Cats sometimes hide when they encounter a person or animal they fear, or if they feel threatened by a change in their routine.
Territorial behavior
Cats are territorial animals and may hide if they feel their territory is being invaded by another cat or animal.
Sleep
A cat may want to be left alone while it sleeps and crawl into a secure space where it won’t be disturbed.
Cats often hide in small, enclosed spaces where they feel safe and secure, such as under a bed or in a closet. And the trigger could be anything from the noise of fireworks to an aggressive feline invader.
Hiding is perfectly natural behavior, and you needn’t be concerned that your cat hides from time-to-time. Especially if it’s a reaction to one of the reasons outlined above.
However, hiding can sometimes be a sign of physical or mental illness. If your cat is hiding more frequently, or for longer periods of time, please discuss it with your vet.
