7 Tips To Get Your Cat out of Hiding
- Give your pet time!
- Think about hiding triggers and remove them.
- Make sure your cat doesn’t feel trapped.
- Reinforce positive behaviors.
- Consider access to resources.
- Check with a vet.
- Create a comfortable home environment.
Where do cats hide when scared?
Providing a selection of possible options, such as some open cupboard doors, areas under beds, cardboard boxes and gaps behind sofas will give your cat a choice of places to go when they feel scared.
Why would a cat suddenly start hiding?
Hiding is a behavior that can occur for many reasons, including: Illness/injury. It could be any health issue—dental disease, cancer, gastrointestinal problems, heart or kidney disease, or the cat is physically hurt. Cats should always be checked if they suddenly start hiding and the environment has not changed.
How do you approach a hiding cat?
Talk softly and move slowly around your cat. Avoid staring at your cat or approaching them directly because this can seem threatening to a cat. Instead, try getting down to your cat’s level by kneeling or sitting on the floor. Food can be used as a positive bonding tool.
How long does it take a scared cat to come out of hiding?
Most cats take a couple of weeks to acclimate, but it might take a month or two. During this time, try not to force the cat to come out of its hiding spot. Avoid chasing or picking up your cat, especially during this initial timeframe. Be patient.
Should you force a cat out of hiding?
Just be patient and give them time to adjust to their surroundings. If your new kitty wants to hide, let them hide. Don’t force them to come out. Don’t crouch on the floor, reaching under the sofa in an effort to drag them out.
Steps to Gaining Your Scared Cat’s Trust
- Stick to a routine with your cat.
- Minimize noise and other stressors.
- Use a soft, reassuring tone of voice.
- Give your cat their own space.
- If your cat reacts by running away, that’s okay.
- Play with them often.
- Learn more about feline body language.
5 Ways to Help a Hiding Cat
- Allow Your Cat to Warm Up to Visitors.
- Try to Normalize a New Environment.
- Give Your Cat a Safe Space.
- Monitor Your Cat’s Behavior Changes.
- Make an Appointment With Your Vet.
Will a scared cat come out of hiding?
They may be frightened or just wary about something unfamiliar and might want to keep out of the way, just in case. If you leave them to it you will usually find that they will come out of hiding once the threat has gone or they have realised that whatever it was they were frightened of isn’t actually scary at all.
How do you attract a hiding cat?
Try to have some treats to hand any time your pet comes to you to reinforce the idea that being out in the open as positive! You can also try leaving some treats just outside of their hiding place. Be sure to leave your pet alone when they need – let them come to you, and always let them move at their own pace!
How do you get a stubborn cat to come to you?
If you want your cat to come in response to a particular sound, you need to make sure she associates that sound with positive things. Make your call and then offer your cat food, treats, toys, or petting as a reward. If you’re using food as a reward, you may want to make your call just before dinnertime.
How far can a cat hear you calling?
How far can a cat hear you calling? A cat as far away as 3 feet from the origin of a sound can pinpoint its location to within a few inches in a mere six one-hundredths of a second. Cats also can hear sounds at great distances — four or five times farther away than humans!
How long will a scared cat hide?
Well, when they’re lost from their territory – your home – fear is likely to be their greatest feeling, rather than hunger. In fact, the Missing Animal Response Network has found that cats will often hide for one or two weeks after becoming displaced from their territory.
How long does it take for a scared cat to adjust?
It depends on your cat’s personality. With that said, you should see your kitty growing more comfortable around you within a week or two. (You can learn more about what to expect from our article on Moving With Pets: Preparing and Settling Into a New Home.)
Do cats come back after being scared?
Many cats will hide for a long time if they are afraid, and may only be found or return home after days or even weeks so you shouldn’t give up. It may take some time to find your cat but it will be worth the time and effort to have them safely home.
Should I let a scared cat hide?
If your new kitty is hiding it’s important to understand this is normal. Just be patient and give them time to adjust to their surroundings. If your new kitty wants to hide, let them hide. Don’t force them to come out.
Can a cat hide for days?
“A lot of cats lead nocturnal lives,” says Myrna Milani, DVM, an author and veterinary scholar in the fields of pathology and anthrozoology. If your cat usually spends its day hidden, that’s generally fine and normal, Milani says.
How do you attract a frightened cat?
Dry cat food certainly works to get their attention, but wet food might be even more enticing. Try out baby food, catnip, sardines, anchovies, or cooked chicken. The smellier the treats, the quicker she’ll learn.
Will a cat come out of hiding?
Many cats will come out of hiding on their own and return to you once they feel comfortable and safe again. However if your cat is sick, injured, or lost, you’ll need to know how to find the hidden cat yourself. The easiest way to find a hiding cat is to track them with a GPS tracker like Tractive GPS for cats.
Should I let my cat hide when scared?
If your new pet wants to hide, let them, and give them some space! Never force them to come out, and always leave them alone to explore in their own time. Cats are very territorial, so they will feel a little unsettled until they can establish that this is their home.
Will a scared cat come back?
For indoor cats, many people want to know if their cat gets outside will it come back. We cannot say for definite either way. We can hope that, since the cat is likely to be scared, they will return home of their own accord. This does not mean you shouldn’t look for them, as we explain further below.