Whether you’ve had them for years or just adopted them, a cat hiding from you can be both cute as heck and confusing all in one. So if you’re finding yourself wondering, ‘Why is my cat hiding in the cabinet, behind the sofa, in a bag, or in the washing machine?’, the reasons range from relatively harmless – to more serious.

So here are some of the major reasons why cats hide, the easiest way to find a hiding cat, and what you can do to prevent your cat from hiding in the first place.

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Is it normal for a cat to hide?

Yes, and for the most part, it’s completely normal feline behavior. But if you’re noticing your cat hiding more often than usual or showing any other changes in behavior, it might be worth observing them more carefully.

Nearly all cats have a natural affinity for small spaces – like boxes. These cozy spots offer warmth, safety, and comfort as a cat snoozes the day away. A hiding place that allows your kitty to slyly observe household activity is even better. And a location just out of your reach is the best of all!

Most cats will emerge from their hiding place and allow you to shower them with affection once or twice a day. And remember that your cat may be roaming the house at night, while you are asleep.

⚠️ But if your cat suddenly starts hiding all the time and refuses to interact with you, there may be something wrong.

Why is my cat hiding all of a sudden?

When your cat begins spending most of their time hiding, it could be a sign of anxiety or even illness. For example, you might find your cat hiding as a result of:

  • Being in a new environment
    When you bring a new cat home, it’s normal for them to hide until they feel more comfortable in their new space. To help them adjust, create a safe zone for them – like a guest bedroom. Place a tall baby gate across the door, visit them throughout the day, and allow them to explore at their own pace.
  • Being pregnant
    A few days before birth, an unspayed female cat will pick a cozy spot to give birth safely. This might be under a bed, in a closet, or behind a sofa. In the wild, females giving birth are vulnerable to predation, so the hiding instinct is essential for survival.
  • Being sick
    Cats often seek out hiding places when they are sick or injured. If your cat is not eating in addition to hiding and refusing to play or interact, then they may be ill or hurt. If this hiding behavior continues for a few days, take them to the vet for a checkup.
  • Being stressed out
    Any change in their environment, no matter how small, can cause anxiety for your cat and cause them to seek out a safe, comfortable place. For example, it’s not unusual for your cat to hide when you have a house guest. But don’t worry – a few hours after the coast is clear, your cat will emerge as if nothing happened. Allow the new person and your cat to get to know each other on their own terms. Don’t force an interaction on either one of them.

Other disruptions – such as a change in your work schedule, a vacation, a cat-sitter, or a new pet in the home – can also induce hiding behavior as your cat seeks safety and security. Allow your kitty time and luxury of an undisturbed safe space as they adjust.

Finding a hiding cat: Where a GPS tracker can come in handy

If the worst case scenario happens, your cat might bolt out the door into your new neighborhood. Where there’s no shortage of dangers they might run into. (From passing cats, other pets, or just getting lost.)

💡Which is where – in addition to an ID tag and microchip – a cat GPS tracker can be a lifesaver.

outdoor cat wearing harness and gps cat tracker

With a Tractive device strapped to your cat’s collar, you now have a sky full of satellites helping you track them down – no matter how near or far. (Plus, in real-time.)

You can also:

  • Access your cat’s Location History – or the spots they like to hide in best. So you know where your cat is likely to hide right away.
  • Locate your cat at close range with your tracker’s Bluetooth-powered Radar Mode.
  • Set a “safe zone” around your home and backyard – and get an escape alert if your cat ventures past it.

Discover Tractive GPS

What are some preferred cat hiding spots?

Cats may choose some very odd places to hide, but most of these spots are away from the hubbub of your home or neighborhood; consist of a small, dark, enclosed area; include a window or opening that the cat can peek out of; and are often elevated so the cat can survey their surroundings.

Examples of indoor cat hiding places include:

  • Under or behind furniture or beds
  • In closets or cabinets
  • On top of wardrobes, cabinets, or appliances such as refrigerators
  • In washing machines or dryers
  • Behind furnaces or water heaters
  • In bins, boxes, or baskets (including full laundry baskets)

While outdoor cats may hide in:

  • Sheds, workshops, or garages
  • Among tall, leafy garden plants
  • Under the hood of a car, or in a wheel well
  • Under decks or porches
woman and cat walking outside

How to help your cat feel more comfortable

Cats that are naturally shy in new environments. They often need time and patience for their anxieties to diminish. But there are a few things you can do to support your cat during a stressful life event, or calm a cat who is naturally timid.

  • Create a comfortable home environment
    Give your cat enough opportunities to be alone if they need it. Constantly being chased by children or other pets can be very stressful. If your kitty slips under the bed for a few hours, that’s understandable.
  • Monitor your pets’ behavior
    If you have more than one cat, pay attention to their interactions. Sometimes a dominant cat will antagonize a more laid-back kitty, creating undue stress. Give your cats multiple places to retreat so they don’t always need to be together.
  • Use a calming diffuser
    Commercially available diffusers release chemicals that mimic natural pheromones emitted by cats. You can plug a diffuser into a wall socket near your cat’s favorite hideout to help them feel less anxious. 
  • Reinforce positive behaviors
    By gently playing with or petting your kitty when they come out of their hiding spot, you can help them feel safe in your presence. Start by offering them treats or their favorite toys. Make their time with you as pleasant as possible and they’ll be eager to come out of hiding more often.
  • Make sure your cat doesn’t feel trapped
    Cats, like most animals, feel safe when they have an escape route. Avoid closing doors and making your cat feel trapped – this will only increase their anxiety.
  • Check with a vet
    If your cat just won’t come out of hiding, make an appointment with your veterinarian. There may be an underlying health issue that needs to be checked out.

How do I get my cat out of hiding?

Generally, the harder you work to get your cat out of hiding, the more they will resist you. Patience is a must. In most cases, it’s best to walk away and let the cat come out on its own terms if you aren’t in a hurry.

If you absolutely must get your cat out of hiding because you’re going to a veterinary appointment or heading out of town, here are a few ideas:

  • Keep the surroundings calm
    Have your kids and other pets leave the room. There’s no need for every member of the family to call Fluffy’s name at top volume.
  • Use food to lure kitty out of hiding
    Leave a trail of your cat’s favorite treats, or pull out all the stops and open a can of tuna. Condition your cat to receiving treats by shaking the bag before offering the goodies. This way, your cat associates the sound of the shaking bag with getting treats, and may come out of hiding when you simply shake the treat bag.
  • Employ a favorite toy
    Pull a string or drag a wand-style toy across the entrance to the hiding spot. Only the most reticent cat can resist.
  • Catnip for the win
    Catnip, especially fresh catnip, is irresistible to cats. Rub some on a favorite toy and place it just outside kitty’s hiding place. They’ll be out of hiding in no time!

And in an emergency…

  • Hit ‘LIVE’ on your Tractive device – and track down your cat in no time. Or track them at close-range via your phone’s Bluetooth and Radar Mode.
Dark Blue Tractive GPS Cat Tracker Mini packaging

Track your cat wherever they go

Get real-time location information, wherever they go. Find out when they go somewhere they shouldn’t, with Virtual Fences. And discover their favorite spots with Territory.

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Want to get another expert perspective? Here’s Dr. E’Lise Christensen, explaining how to deal with a cat that’s always hiding:

And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.

Your furry friend’s health and wellbeing means as much as to us as it does to you. So we’ve made it a priority to only share medically-relevant content on our blog.

This post was checked, double-checked, and medically verified by Georgia-based vet, Dr. Dwight Alleyne.

Dr. Dwight Alleyne, DVM

Originally from Long Island, New York, Dr. Alleyne began his career at a no-kill animal shelter before becoming a licensed veterinary technician. He graduated from Cornell University Veterinary College in 2006 and completed an internship at Purdue University.

Now practicing in Georgia, Dr. Alleyne specializes in soft tissue surgery and ultrasounds. He also writes pet health articles on his website, “The Animal Doctor Blog” (www.anmldrblog.com).