Why Do Cats Hide?
Did you recently call your cat and noticed it popped out from a hiding spot? Maybe you couldn’t locate where your cat had hidden. Cats enjoy hiding both outdoors and indoors, but why does this happen.
Kittens aren’t very social
While cats are social creatures, sometimes they enjoy lonesome company. They might feel overwhelmed when they are around people or animals constantly. But they also need time to sleep, de-stress or groom themselves.
Your pet loves you, especially when you feed it regularly but don’t feel offended when the cat hides from time to time. When cats are overwhelmed, scared, upset or depressed, they often choose to isolate themselves from everything and everyone. Remember that humans also act this way in certain circumstances.
Trying out new stuff incognito
When the cat notices something strange or is placed in a new environment, it might hide due to anxiety and fear. That allows the cat to assess the new environment carefully without too much attention. According to vets, cats feel safer when they are in hiding. And when the cat feels safe that no one is watching, it will feel comfortable to explore its surroundings to determine whether it’s safe.
Hiding is a common reaction especially when strangers visit your home. If the cat doesn’t feel comfortable around the visitors, it will go into hiding until they leave. Even when you can spot it, the cat will only feel safe in hiding or high on your cabinet – just out of sight.
Cats also hide when they are anxious and strangers can cause your cat to be anxious. But once the anxiety subsides, the cat will reappear slowly from hiding.
Hiding is the cat’s natural instinct
Domesticated cats are hunters by default and that will never change. Cats are born hunters and hunting instincts require them to hide as they wait on their prey. So, if the cat is hunting a rodent or simply playing, hiding provides a vantage point to pounce on the prey the right moment.
Some cats even play with children this way. If they are pretend hunting, hiding helps to keep them alert and engages their natural instincts. And even when you cannot see them hunting, this doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t stalking the pray. Cats have sensitive nose and ears and can easily pick up indications of movement with ease.
Conclusion
Learning why your cat hides often is key to ensure you identify when something doesn’t seem right. If your cat hides frequently than often, consult a vet to check whether the cat has an underlying health problem.
References: Pet Emergency Education, Purina, Feline Behavior Solutions
Copyright: Local Value
