Where Do Cats Go When They Hide? A Kitty’s Point of View!

Have you ever noticed a peculiar stillness in your house and wondered, ‘Where is that cat hiding now?’. Well, who better to answer one of life’s greatest mysteries than I, FELIWAY’s very own resident feline!

You know the drill by now, my two-legged friends. Sit back and I’ll explain everything there is to know about why cats hide, where we go, and how you can make us feel more comfortable when we’re safely tucked away out of sight.

Why Do Cats Hide?

So, cutting to the chase: why do cats seem to love hiding around the house so much? 

Well, we might look like fearless hunters, but the wild ancestors of today’s domestic cats were also prey animals. This means survival is ingrained in our DNA, so hiding is a smart move to avoid danger. But that’s not all!

Here’s a range of reasons why your own cat may be hiding:

• Stressful situations: Loud noises, new visitors, or big changes can feel threatening and make us retreat to a cosy spot where we feel safe.

• Comfort and rest: Sometimes, hiding is just about finding the perfect quiet corner for a good nap. We cats feel more secure when we’re hidden from the world, as there’s less chance of anything sneaking up on us while we sleep.

• Shy temperament: Each cat has their own personality. Some cats are naturally shyer than others and may prefer time away from all the hustle and bustle.

• New surroundings: If a new cat is hiding, this could be about adjusting to the new environment. Give us time, patience, and understanding, and we’ll come out when we’re ready. You can find more tips for helping new cats adjust to their surroundings in our previous article, “How to Introduce a New Cat in the Family”.

• Feeling unwell: When we’re not feeling our best, hiding helps us cats conserve energy and avoid prevent potential threats. This links back to our survival instinct once again, where we’d try to keep ourselves as safe as possible while we recover. If you do notice a change in our behaviour and you think it’s because we’re not well, a trip to the vet is best!

What Makes a Good Hiding Spot for Cats?

Finding the perfect hiding spot is an art, and in my humble opinion, we cats are experts!

Small, enclosed spaces are our top choice, offering snug protection on all sides. Think of boxes, cupboards, or even the gap under a bed; these are all the kinds of places where we can feel safe. Sometimes, even just a small lip or shield – such as on the edge of a shelf or overhang – can be enough to enhance our sense of safety, acting like a shield against prying eyes.

When it comes to hiding spots, we’re also drawn to high-up locations, like shelves or the tops of cupboards. These provide not only security but also a perfect vantage point to watch the world below.

Quiet zones are another favourite. Areas away from loud noises or activity make for ideal hideaways. For older cats, having steps or easy access to these hiding spots is a big help, making it easier for us to avoid any uncomfortable jumps.

Where Do Cats Hide in the House? Common Places to Search!

Here’s a peek into our top-secret hiding locations – you might be surprised where we can fit! Just be careful who you pass this information on to. We don’t want our secrets falling into the paws of any dogs, do we?

• Under furniture: Beds, sofas, and coffee tables provide the perfect cover, especially if they’re in quieter areas of the house.

• Closets and drawers: These dark, peaceful spaces are ideal for curling up undisturbed.

• Behind curtains or blinds: Not just for decoration, these spots let us observe without being seen!

• High shelves or cupboards: These are fantastic hideaways that let us survey our kingdom while staying out of reach.

• Cardboard boxes: There’s something about those snug walls that makes us feel so secure.

Of course, it’s one thing knowing where to search for your cat in the house, but where do cats hide outside? Think shrubs, under porches, or even inside sheds. Just remember, outdoor hiding spots can sometimes be risky, so always keep an eye out to make sure we’re not squeezing into somewhere dangerous.

How to Help Your Hiding Cat Feel More Comfortable

We appreciate it when you humans make our lives a little easier, especially when we’re feeling shy or stressed. If you’ve noticed your feline spends a lot of time hiding, here’s how you can help us feel safe and secure:

• Make use of FELIWAY Optimum: This diffuser releases calming messages that help us cats feel serene and secure in our environment. Simply plug it into an electrical socket in the room where your own cat spends the most time and let FELIWAY Optimum do its thing. 

• Provide safe hiding spaces: Set up cosy nooks in quiet areas of the house. Make sure there are enough hiding spots if you have more than one cat.

• Minimise stressors: We cats are creatures of habit, so stick to a routine and avoid sudden changes as much as possible. If something’s bothering us, try to address it.

• Interactive playtime: Scheduled play sessions help us to use energy and build confidence (and are great for building our bond together!).

• Respect our space: Whatever you do, never pull a cat out of their hideaway! This can be highly distressing. Trust us to come out in our own time and when we’re ready.

• Regular vet check-ups: If we’re hiding more than usual, it may be because we’re not feeling well. So, time for a health check!

New Cat Hiding? How to Help a New Cat Feel at Ease

When you bring a new cat into your home, hiding is a natural response to all the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. Believe me, I’ve been there!

To help your new furry friend adjust, start by setting up a dedicated room with all the essentials: food, water, a litter box, and cosy bedding. This gives us a secure space to retreat to while we take in our surroundings at our own pace.

Spend quiet time in the room, allowing your new cat to approach you when they feel ready. Avoid forcing interactions, as this could make them more nervous. Over time, positive experiences and successful outings from their hiding spot will build their confidence. Gradually introduce them to the rest of the house and any other family members or pets, ensuring they always have their safe haven to retreat to if needed.

More than anything else, be patient! Take it one step at a time.

For more information on helping a new cat come out of hiding, we also have a handy guide that you can check out here: “Tips to Stop Your New Cat from Hiding”.

A Hiding Kitty Is a Happy Home

Remember, hiding is a natural part of who we cats are. Whether it’s under the bed or behind the curtains, it’s our way of feeling safe and secure. By understanding why we hide and creating a welcoming environment with FELIWAY Optimum, you’ll help us feel confident enough to venture out and spend more time with you! Just be sure to keep an eye out if you notice us hiding more than usual and take us to the vet for a check-up if you have any concerns.

Interested in learning more about cats and our behaviour? We have a huge range of articles online just waiting for you to explore! You can also stay up to date with all our latest news, guides, and product information by signing up to our newsletter.