Cats are the masters of masquerade. They have an impressive ability to mask pain and discomfort. This can make it difficult for owners to know when something is wrong. However, one common sign is them hiding away.
They will retreat to secluded spots to be left alone and suffer in peace. Why do they do this, and is a cat hiding away always a bad sign? Here, we’ll answer all these questions and more.
Instinctual Survival Mechanism
The main reason that cats hide away is because it’s a part of their survival mechanism. When cats are unwell or in pain, they don’t have the same energy levels, and their senses won’t be quite as sharp as they usually are.
Cats are incredible hunters, but they can also be prey. When hurt, they feel vulnerable to being attacked. Due to this, they will retreat into a safe and secluded place. Here, they know they won’t be eaten by larger animals and can rest without being on high alert.
It’s important to know that so much of what cats do is based on instinct. They will do things not because they are consciously thinking of them but because it’s what they are hardwired to do. This is why they instinctively know how to use a litter tray, as it will hide their scent from predators.
Therefore, you shouldn’t feel upset or guilty that your cat is hiding away. Even though they are in a safe environment, they will still fall back on those instinctive behaviors. They may feel completely at ease in your presence but still want to hide.
Conservation of Energy and Pain Management
There are other good reasons to hide as well. Illness takes up a lot of your energy, and cats will want to use every bit they have to get better. Seclusion minimizes any unnecessary movement and means they won’t be disturbed by anyone.
It allows them to focus on healing and reduces stress, which can make illness worse. It also helps with pain management and vulnerability. Cats are famously stoic animals and will often mask pain even if they aren’t feeling well.
This is because, in the wild, pain is seen as a weakness that prey may be able to exploit. By hiding away, they aren’t showing anyone their weakness. Hiding allows them to be in pain without worrying what other animals or humans may think.
Hiding from Humans
There is also the chance they want to hide away from humans. Cats have good memories and will know how each human in a household treats them. This can make them apprehensive when it comes to illness.
As humans, many of us like fussing over animals and humans when they are sick. However, this caring nature can be counterproductive. For example, a cat with a sore stomach is unlikely to want to be picked up or petted.
A cat hiding can essentially be them saying I’m fine on my own, don’t bother me. A lot of humans can be like this and just want space to recover in peace. Usually, cats don’t want to be perceived as a problem and don’t want to be fussed over.
Does My Cat Hiding Mean They’re Sick?
Hiding doesn’t automatically mean they are sick. Cats hide for a number of reasons, but it can often be a negative sign. However, sometimes they will crawl into a tight spot just because they are curious or find it comfortable.
Other times, they do it to avoid noise or stress. They may be overstimulated or are sensing something unfamiliar and are being cautious. Your cat also may want some alone time after a period of activity or social interaction.
However, most cats hide due to anxiety. This is often linked to a change in their environment, such as moving into a new home, getting a new pet, or having renovations done. They will hide until they can be sure the place is safe again.
Signs Hiding Might Be a Problem
So how can you tell when hiding is an issue and when it isn’t? Mostly, it comes down to whether or not their actions indicate a significant change in behavior. They aren’t eating or playing as they usually do and are hiding to go with it, it can be a bad sign.
Of course, it’s also prudent to check if there are any obvious physical symptoms to go with it. Vomiting and diarrhea are more obvious signs, but there may be more subtle ones, such as lethargy or unusual vocalizations.
Hiding is also more likely to be an issue if it is done for prolonged periods. Hiding several hours at a time or significantly more than normal could show they are in pain. If worried, it’s always a good idea to take them to the vet.
How to Respond When Your Cat Hides
If your cat is hiding more than usual, then you should be on alert. That being said, you need to respect the reason they are hiding. It’s unlikely they’ll want to be disturbed, and you should try to leave them at peace, especially if you know what the issue is.
First, it’s best to observe them at a distance without intruding on them. Make sure they have access to food and water and look for any obvious signs of pain. Along with hiding, look for any other change in behavior such as eating habits, use of the litter box, and grooming.
Provide them with as safe and comfortable an environment as possible. Also think of any other reason they may be hiding, such as a change of environment. To reduce stress, it’s best to take steps such as reducing noise and limiting interactions with other pets.
If you observe them to be in pain, get them medical care as soon as possible. If your cat’s hiding persists for more than a day or two, it’s best to schedule a visit to the vets, even if you can’t see anything wrong. They may be struggling with an internal issue that doesn’t have any obvious symptoms.
