COMFORT YOUR CAT:
CAT HIDING
You might feel a little sad if you notice your cat is hiding and acting weird. But don't take your kitty's actions personally. Sometimes cats hide because they need a place to rest away from noise and activity. But if your cat is hiding all the time, that's different. He's likely feeling insecure because of changes in his environment. If you want to get a scared cat out of hiding, you need to build his confidence with a lot of love and patience.
CREATE POSITIVE ASSOCIATIONS
You shouldn't force a shy cat out of hiding because that could make things worse. But there are many things you can do to coax her out. Sit near your cat and talk calmly. Lay a few extra-fragrant treats nearby. Tempt her with a toy she can chase. When she does venture out, extend your hand and let her sniff it first. Give her space to explore and "mark" your home with head bumps, so your place smells more like her.1 Leave room doors open, set up cat trees, and have other "escape routes" for her. She'll be more likely to explore if it's easy to get back to where she feels safest.
LOOK FOR TRIGGERS
Look for triggers that might scare your cat, whether it's a loud appliance, a ringing doorbell, other family members, or another pet.2 Teach your dog not to chase your cat if that happens. If you have two cats that sometimes fight, consider reintroducing them. Even moving too quickly can trigger the hiding behavior. While you look for triggers, make sure you boost your cat's confidence. Set up window perches and other high spaces where your cat can feel safe. Give him territory all his own, like cat beds, litter boxes, and toys. Play with him to build your bond. The closer you and your cat are, the more confident he'll feel.
COMFORT ZONE PRODUCTS CAN HELP
Comfort Zone products can help your kitty's e-meow-tional health, so she's more likely to venture out. These are designed to mimic a cat's natural pheromones, helping manage stress. Set up a Comfort Zone Cat Calming Diffuser with Opticalm Diffuser in each room where she spends the most time. Or, give her a Comfort Zone Calming Pheromone Collar, so the calming signals are with her whether she's hiding or exploring. If you have more than one cat, try the Comfort Zone Multi-Cat Diffuser with Opticalm Diffuser. If your cat is hiding or avoiding a specific area in the house, spray the Comfort Zone Spray & Scratch Control Spray to help create a calming environment.
If your cat's hiding, she could be reacting to a new source of stress. While you're figuring out the triggers, help her build her confidence. Before long, she'll be having all sorts of adventures again.
1. Rummel, Patricia. "Why Is My New Cat Hiding from Me?" HumaneRescue.org, 16 June 2020, https://humanerescue.org/2020/06/16/why-is-my-new-cat-hiding-from-me/.
2. Mlynar, Phillip. "Is Your Cat Hiding? Here's Why — And What to Do." Catster, 6 April 2020, https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/why-is-your-cat-hiding.
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