My cat is hiding and won't come out — is something wrong?

Cats are naturally inclined to find safe, hidden spots, especially when they feel stressed. However, when hiding becomes prolonged or is combined with other symptoms, it can be a sign of illness.

When hiding is normal

- A new cat in a new home may hide for several days while it acclimatises.
- After a stressful event (loud party, fireworks, visit from strangers or other animals), a cat may withdraw temporarily.
- Changes in the household — a new pet, a baby, construction noise — can trigger hiding behaviour.

When hiding signals a health problem

Cats are instinctively driven to hide pain and weakness. If your cat is hiding more than usual and also showing any of the following signs, treat it as a medical concern:

- Refusing food or water
- Not using the litter tray (or using it more frequently)
- Laboured or noisy breathing
- Visible pain (vocalising when touched, hunched posture)
- Pale, white, or bluish gums
- Difficulty walking or sudden weakness in the hind legs

Sudden hind leg weakness in a cat (the cat suddenly cannot use its back legs, or they appear cold) is a veterinary emergency — it can indicate aortic thromboembolism, a life-threatening cardiovascular complication.

How to help a stressed-hiding cat

Provide additional safe spaces (covered beds, cardboard boxes). Do not force the cat out of hiding — this increases stress. Use calming pheromone diffusers (Feliway). Maintain a consistent routine and minimise sudden loud sounds.