Cats make great pets because they are independent and do weird things. One of those things is hiding in the house, especially under beds, where it's quiet. Know why cats do this and how to stop them if you want to be a good pet owner.
Reasons Why Cats Hide Under Beds
Cats are interesting animals that do interesting things, like hiding under beds. People often get this behavior wrong, but there are good reasons for it.
Feeling Safe and Secure: Cats, like people, want peace. They hide under a bed, where it's safe and warm and away from any danger. To calm down and feel at ease in their surroundings, cats need to feel like they are safe.
Seeking Privacy: Cats want peace, just like people do. By hiding under a bed, they can escape the noise and commotion of the household, giving them a quiet place to relax. This privacy is especially important for cats who are sensitive to or easily stressed by external stimuli.
Temperature Regulation: Beds often make a room cooler and more comfy, especially when it's hot outside. Although cats may hide under beds for safety and privacy, they may also do it to avoid getting too hot and keep their body temperature even.
Fear or Anxiety: When cats feel frightened or scared, they often look for places to hide. Cats can go into flight mode in response to very loud noises (such as those from a rainstorm or construction), the appearance of strangers, other animals, or abrupt changes in their surroundings. They find solace in hiding under the bed for the time being, until they regain their composure.
Signs Your Cat Is Hiding Under the Bed
It's important to know when your cat is hiding under the bed so you can deal with any problems that might come up.
Signs in the body
- Not being at usual hangout spots
- There are fur or cat prints under the bed
- Sounds of cats meowing or purring are coming from under the bed
Changes in behavior
- More hiding will happen
- Trying to avoid social interactions
- Changes in the amount of food or litter used
How to Encourage Your Cat to Come Out
If your cat likes to hide under the bed or in other hidden places, check out these tips for getting them to come out.
Understanding Your Cat's Behavior: First, take the time to observe your cat's behavior and try to understand why they are hiding. Are they scared, stressed, or just want to be alone? Once you know what's really going on, you can change how you talk to them to get them to come out.
Creating Safe Spaces: It's important to make safe places in your home. You should buy cat trees, cozy beds, or places where cats can hide that are made just for them. It's best for these places to be quiet, relaxed, and away from anything that could stress them out.
Reducing Stressors: Look around your cat's surroundings for things that could be stressful and get rid of them. This could be loud noises, getting new pets, changing your pattern, or fights between family members. You can make the environment calmer and more relaxing for your cat by reducing these things that cause stress.
Positive Reinforcement: And finally, it's also very important to give good comments. If your cat comes out of hiding or does something you want them to do, reward them with treats, fun toys, or lots of love. In public, this will make them feel better about themselves and less shy. Just remember to be consistent and patient when using positive reinforcement.
When to Seek Professional Help
You should know when to get help for your cat from a professional. Cats occasionally need to hide, but if your cat does it frequently or acts strangely, there might be a problem that requires a vet's attention. Your cat should see a vet if it hides all the time and doesn't want to play with or be around other cats.
Also, if your cat suddenly stops eating, acts mean, or grooms itself too much, it could mean that it has a mental or physical problem that needs professional help. If you see these signs, get help right away for your cat. They will get the care they need to stay healthy.
In the meantime, you can create safe spaces for your cat, like cat trees, which can make them feel secure and comfortable. If you're looking for high-quality cat trees and other pet supplies, check out Holly & Polly's collection today to give your cat the best care possible.
