Cat hiding or acting differently
Cats hide pain and illness — sudden hiding, withdrawal, or behavioural change usually signals a medical problem; book a vet check.
In the next 60 seconds
- Note duration and other changes.
- Provide quiet space, food, water, tray nearby.
- Book vet appointment with bloods if older.
Recognise the signs
- Hiding under beds, in cupboards
- Reduced interaction, less affectionate
- Reduced grooming
- Off food
- Other subtle signs — slower jumping, missed jumps
First aid steps
- Note duration and other changes.
- Provide quiet space, food, water, tray nearby.
- Book vet appointment with bloods if older.
Do NOT
- Do not assume it's just personality.
- Do not force interaction.
- Do not delay if the cat is not eating.
When to phone the vet immediately
- Off food more than 24 hours
- Vomiting, weakness, breathing changes
When it can usually wait
- Brief hiding after a clear stressor (vet visit, new pet) often resolves in 1-3 days.
Common causes
- Pain (arthritis, dental, urinary)
- Fever
- Kidney disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Cancer
- Stress (new pet, baby, building work)
What you'll need
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Feliway Classic plug-in diffuser
A cat that is hiding or acting differently may be stressed. Feliway reduces environmental anxiety while you investigate the underlying cause.
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If a cat needs to hide, give it a safe, warm enclosed space rather than letting it find its own. Reduces stress and helps you monitor it.
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What the vet will need to know
- What changed and when
- Stress events recently
- Eating, drinking, toileting habits
Aftercare
- Per underlying cause.
Prevention
- Annual checks; senior bloods from age 8.
- Manage stress in the household.
- Multiple resources in multi-cat homes.
Frequently asked questions
Is hiding always a problem?
Persistent hiding without obvious stressor usually means something. Cats hide pain very effectively.
How can I tell if my cat is in pain?
Subtle signs — hiding, less grooming, less jumping, weight changes, missed jumps. Vet exam plus bloods often picks up problems owners don't notice.
Can stress alone cause this?
Yes — but rule out medical cause first, especially in older cats.
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