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DOES YOUR CAT HIDE?

Cat hiding, why and what you can do?

1

Understand why your cat may be hiding

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

Help your cat feel more secure with FELIWAY OPTIMUM

  • Releases “happy messages”’ to create a safe and secure environment at home
  • Improvement happens within the first week
  • Continued use for at least one month is recommended
3

Cats need to hide when they are stressed so while dealing with the causes, make sure that

  • You provide multiple cat hiding places (Cardboard boxes, baskets, open cupboards etc.)
  • Cat Hiding places are always accessible to your cat (cats like to perch in high places)
  • Respect your cat’s decision to hide and do not force them to come out
4

Get your cat checked by a vet:  

  • In some cases, underlying medical conditions can cause cats to be stressed and therefore hide (e.g. pain or dental issues)

We recommend:

FELIWAY Optimum

Plug in the room where your cat spends most of it’s time, for at least 30 days.

FELIWAY Classic Spray

Spray around the ‘cat hiding’ places in order to make them feel more safe and secure to your cat.

Why does my cat hide?

Cats usually hide more when they feel threatened, so it's important to understand why your cat is hiding so you can entice them out and make them feel happier!

Many things can cause your cat to hide:

  • People: cats commonly hide from visitors
  • Noises
  • Recent changes at home: new furniture, building work, new baby or family member
  • A new pet at home or nearby: cats do not like sharing resources like litter boxes, food bowls etc. If stress or conflict occurs then one cat may hide more.
  • A recent change to your routine.  Cats are creatures of habit and if your schedule changes a lot then this may cause them to be unhappy.
  • Recent change in your routine: has your usual schedule changed leading you to be busier and less available?
  • Also, several medical conditions cause pain or discomfort and may be a reason for your cat to hide more. If your cat spends most of its time hiding and is not eating we recommend discussing this with your vet.

Do not stroke your cat while it is scared and hiding. You cat will need time alone while hiding and by trying to comfort them you may accidentally increase their level of stress. Take a look at our top tips to help you stop your cat from hiding.

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

Reward your cat for brave actions shown during potentially challenging situations. This encourages them to be brave again!  Many cats will find a treat rewarding.

If you have several cats, give each cat their own food bowl, water bowl, litter box and scratch post. Put them in separate areas to avoid tension caused by competition.  Don’t forget to use all your available space by putting bowls on different levels (E.g. one on the floor and one on a higher spot).

Using a FELIWAY Optimum will help keep your cat feel secure and therefore be happy and playful.