As a pet owner, you may have already experienced a moment when your cat suddenly disappears and withdraws into themselves. It can be frightening when your usually playful pet retreats into darkness instead of seeking your company. But this behaviour is more natural than you might think! Animals instinctively hide when they’re ill; understanding this allows us to care for them much more effectively.

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In the following, we’ll help you easily recognise the subtle signs that cats may show when they’re unwell, so you can ensure your pet receives the necessary veterinary care in time.

If your cat's behaviour changes, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.

Why Do Cats Hide? Their Instincts Guide Them

Even though our pets live safely in our homes, the instincts they inherited from the wild still significantly influence their behaviour. In nature, a sick or injured animal becomes easy prey – to protect themselves, they hide away until they feel strong enough to re-emerge. At home, this might mean they disappear under the bed or sofa, deep inside a wardrobe, or behind boxes in the garage. This hiding behaviour is especially common in cats, but it can happen with any small animal. Because our pets are both predators and prey in the wild, they’ve learned to conceal their weakness and seek safe places to rest and recover.

Of course, not every instance of hiding indicates illness, but if you also observe any of the signs below, it’s best to consult a vet:

1.) Unusual Body Posture

A hunched posture, hugging the wall, or limping can all suggest pain or illness. If your cat lies in a strange position, it may help them breathe more easily or avoid pain.

2.) Loss of Appetite

Just like people, animals lose their appetite when they’re not feeling well. If your pet hasn’t touched their food or water, it could be a warning sign. Sometimes, mobility issues may prevent them from reaching their bowls. A lack of food and fluid intake can quickly lead to dehydration or hepatic lipidosis – potentially within just 1-2 days – so immediate action is required.

If the cat has no appetite, it is almost certainly a sign of illness.

3.) Difficulty Walking

If you manage to coax them out of hiding, observe how they walk. Wobbling, limping, or dragging their hind legs could indicate illness, injury, joint problems, or even neurological issues.

4.) Refusing to Use the Litter Box

When eating stops, bowel movements become less frequent – but if a cat doesn’t urinate or defecate for a day, it may signal a bowel or urinary tract blockage, both of which are emergencies. Mobility issues might also make it hard for them to use the litter tray, leading to accidents.

Abandoning the use of the litter tray may indicate serious illnesses.

5.) Constant Purring

Cats don’t only purr when they’re content – they also do it to soothe themselves when they’re in pain. If your cat is hiding and purring a lot, it could point to illness or injury.

6.) Irritability

Pain can make our little companions irritable or aggressive, just like it can affect humans.

7.) Vomiting or Diarrhoea

It can be hard to notice symptoms in a hiding animal, but unpleasant smells may offer a clue. Use a torch to check corners and under the bed, without shining the light directly into the cat’s eyes.

8.) Other Symptoms

Sick animals might cough, sneeze, or discharge fluid from various body openings. Other signs of illness include pale gums, dilated pupils, unkempt fur, rapid breathing, fatigue, or confusion.

Let’s observe our pet’s behaviour – even the tiniest signs can be telling.

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If our four-legged friend is suffering from a mild illness, they may come out on their own within a day or two. However, if they are still hiding after two days, it is advisable to take them for a veterinary check-up as soon as possible. A thorough examination can help identify the problem and provide suitable treatment options.

What Should You Do If Your Cat Is Hiding?

Don’t force them out, respect their need for solitude and avoid dragging them out of their hiding place.

• Provide a comfortable environment: Place soft blankets nearby and offer food and water close to the hiding spot.
• Observe heir behaviour: If they emerge to eat, drink, or even play, it’s likely nothing serious.
• Visit the vet: If they remain hidden for more than a day and you notice other worrying signs, a vet check is recommended. A thorough examination can uncover the cause and offer appropriate treatment.