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Why Do Cats Hide?

Rebecca Schmidt • Aug 07, 2014
They sit and wait, ready to pounce on your ankles. They hide up high and down low in pure darkness. Cats that hide have many different reasons to do so.

Cats that are in the hunting mood may tend to hide and wait for someone or something to pass by. Being a household cat and not needing to hunt for their food every day, cats need to practice their hunting skills in a different way. In the wild, cats conceal themselves before going after their prey. Giving your kitty more activities like playing with them can satisfy their hunting needs.

If your cat is timid or scared, they may hide to seek comfort and safety. Hiding gives them a chance to escape the noise and chaos and feel a bit more secure. Fearful cats love dark areas because they feel more concealed. When cats are younger, they tend to hide more often because they are shy. After a while however, they will begin to get used to the noises around the house and not hide as much. When cats feel threatened or bullied by the other animals in your house they may hide to conceal and protect themselves.

Another reason some cats may hide, is if they are sick or in pain. If they are vulnerable and cannot fend for themselves, they will hide to avoid any situation where they need their strength. Hiding can be a symptom of illness. If you notice your cat is hiding more than usual, a veterinary exam may be necessary.
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