Why do cats hide and what can you do?

DOES YOUR CAT HIDE?

Why do cats hide and what can you do?

1

Understand why your cat may be hiding

  • Recent changes at home (new furniture, redecorating, moving home, renovating)?
  • Visitors, new family member, new pet at home?
  • Competition or tension with another cat?
2

Stop excessive cat hiding with FELIWAY 

  • Releases pheromones to create a safe and secure environment at home
  • Continued use for at least one month is recommended
3

Yet, cats need to hide

  • Provide multiple cat hiding spots (cardboard boxes, baskets, cupboards with the door left open)
  • Always accessible to your cat, some cats like to perch in high places
  • Respect your cat’s need to hide
4

Check cat’s health

  • In some cases, underlying medical conditions can cause cats to hide
  • Check with your vet if signs continue

We recommend:

FELIWAY Diffuser

Plug in your cat’s favourite room for at least 30 days.

FELIWAY Spray

Spray on the hiding places to make them more safe and secure to your cat.

Why do cats hide excessively?

Cats usually hide more when they feel threatened.

Many things can cause hiding:

  • People: cats commonly hide from visitors
  • Noises
  • Recent changes at home: adding new furniture, renovations, new baby in the family
  • Another pet in the home or nearby: cats don’t like sharing resources like litter boxes or food bowls. This may cause the cat to hide.
  • Recent change in your routine - has your usual schedule changed? Are you home less? 
  • Also, several medical conditions cause pain or discomfort and may be a reason for your cat to hide. If you cat spends most of its time hidden, check with your vet.

Do not stroke your cat during hiding. You may accidentally increase your cat's hiding with your loving attention.

Wait for your cat to spontaneously come out and ask for cuddles.

Reward your cat for brave actions shown during potentially challenging situations. This encourages them to be brave again.

If you have several cats, give each cat their own food bowl, water bowl, litter box, etc. Put them in separate areas to avoid tension caused by competition (to separate, you can put bowls on different levels: one on the floor and one on a higher spot).

Using FELIWAY Diffuser will help keep your cat feeling secure and playful.