In a tale as old as time, your normally stoic feline buddies scatter throughout the home like their lives depend on it when the doorbell rings or you turn on the vacuum cleaner.
And after that, what happens?
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Of course, they’ll hide under the bed until you urge them to come out so you can feed them.
As a result, how can you stop this from happening? You can prevent your cat from slinking under the bed by securing all possible exit points for him. Alternatively, you can shove books and storage boxes under the bed with the purchase of under-bed blocks. Reduced stress and a safe haven should assist to keep your cat from running away or hiding in fear to begin with.
There are a lot of reasons why your cat likes to hide beneath your bed, and we’ve got the answers for you!
What are we waiting for?
Why Is My Cat Hiding Under The Bed?
Your cat’s secretive nature can be explained by a variety of factors. For example, they may have a natural propensity for concealment, preferring to be left alone at particular times of the day, or simply being intrigued about what lies beneath the mattress. It’s possible, however, that your cat has been frightened and has been hiding for hours.
It’s no secret that cats appreciate a peaceful setting where they can lay around in the sun, have a few snoozes in different parts of a room, or gaze out a window. When cats live in a multi-cat household, the continual presence of strangers, loud noises, and other social stressors, they are more inclined to retreat into hiding.
As a new cat in the house, it’s crucial to remember that your new companion will likely require some time to become used to the house, you, and your existing cats. There are many factors to consider when adopting a cat, including whether or not the cat has had previous traumatic experiences and whether or not the kitten has been socialized appropriately.
Stress levels in shelter cats can be reduced by hiding boxes, according to a study that looked at the influence of hiding boxes on stress levels in shelter cats. Cats’ stress levels can be considerably reduced by providing them with places to hide.
It doesn’t matter if your cat lives in a shelter or not; they still need a safe place where they can completely unwind and relax. It just so happened to be the bed in your situation because of the various escape routes and the ability of your cat to observe anyone in the immediate vicinity.
How To Keep Cats From Going Under The Bed?
Once your cat has taken up residence under your bed, it will be difficult to remove them. Some simple actions can help your cat lose interest in that particular hideout area or even prevent them from using it altogether by providing them with alternative, more enticing possibilities!
There are several options available to you!
1. Take Them To The Vet!
When you bring a new cat or kitten into your home, it’s not unusual to discover them racing to hide beneath the bed. Acclimating to their new surroundings and owners may take time, depending on their past and personality. Your long-term feline buddy may also flee in fear if you have a loud noise or a noisy guest.
It’s normal for your cat to hide, but if you see that hiding has become the new normal, you should be cautious of a more serious underlying cause for the reclusiveness of your pet.
Senior Cats
You may notice a change in your cat’s behavior as they get older, and one of the most common signs of aging in cats is hiding. Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine assistant professor Richard Goldstein, DVM, says that “some cats may need more emotional assistance as they age while others prefer to be left alone.” he says.
Take your cat to the vet before blaming their need to hide under the bed on their age. It’s possible that your cat is in discomfort because of an age-related medical problem.
Pregnant Cats
Even if your cat has been spayed, her continual concealment can indicate that she’s about to get pregnant. “Many cats will prefer to be sequestered during the birthing process,” says Dr. Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM.
So, if you’re concerned that your kitten has piled on the pounds, don’t hesitate to bring them in for a checkup with the doctor!
Medical or Behavioral Problem
Going to the doctor is the best thing you can do if your cat is continuously avoiding your attention due to physical or emotional suffering.
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In Tammy Hunter, DVM’s words: “Sick cats normally become withdrawn and may hide, but this does depend on the personality of the individual cat. The clinginess or need for attention increases in some cats, whereas it doesn’t in others.
Stressors like moving and bringing a new cat or human into the house can cause your cat to seek out some alone time. This can be due to the dogs’ natural tendency to defend their territory or their owners’ resentment. Not only will you be able to rule out any medical difficulties, but you’ll also receive guidance on how to best care for your cat’s emotional health as a result of the visit.
2. Eliminate Stressors
In most cases, a cat’s fear and anxiety stem from a lack of early socialization, or it may have developed over time as a result of earlier mismanagement or even our own unconscious blunders. A cat that is continually being stroked and petted can get overstimulated, resulting in a retaliatory attack or hiding under the bed to avoid us.
It is the best method to get rid of the stressors that cause your cat’s fight or flight response to find out what in their surroundings is causing this behavior. You may have had to adjust your cat’s food and/or feeding schedule due to a loss of an attachment to another cat or even a minor change in their routine.
Cats may hide beneath your bed if there is building activity going on in your region, so keep an eye on the times of day your cat chooses to hide. It’s likely that your cat simply misses you if nothing else works.
Cats, despite their aloof demeanor, are in need of human companionship. Cats, more than any other animal, require daily reproduction of their natural hunting experiences, primarily in the form of play and stimulation. Feline play behavior and early learning are inseparably linked, according to Debra Horwitz, DVM, DACVB.
A cat’s long-term contentment is dependent on a variety of factors, including toys, tree houses with windows, nutritious food, and enough of cuddling time. As a result, they will seek refuge in the dark place beneath your bed if they don’t receive the care they need to feel safe and happy.
3. Offer Alternative Hiding Spots
It’s understandable that you’re concerned about your cat’s tendency to go into hiding, but even healthy cats need a break from the outside world again and then.
In order to keep your cat safe, Dr. Horwitz says that as cat owners you must also consider “your cat’s urge to retreat and hide.” Cats recently adopted or relocated to a new home may find it difficult to adapt to their new surroundings if they are denied the opportunity to hide. For now, let your pet hide in a safe place and work on making your home more inviting so it can’t resist the need to join in.”
Small, cozy, and most importantly, warm hiding places are possible even in the tiniest of apartments (I should know, having lived in one myself). Cat trees are essential for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that cats love climbing them.
4. Use Under Bed Cat Blockers
As soon as you’ve ruled out any medical conditions and given your kitten lots of hiding places, it’s time to permanently close off the area under your bed!
DIY Solutions
Start by putting objects you currently own in the way of your cat’s path, or go to your local thrift store to see if you can find a solution.
- In the event that you have a lot of old books or shoeboxes lying around, you might stack them up around your bed.
- Boxes made of cardboard are equally handy. You can place them all around the aperture with heavy-duty double-sided tape if you cut them to the correct height and width.
- Because of the sound and sensation on their paws, placing sheets of crinkled aluminum foil beneath the bed may deter them from using it as a hiding place.
- The same is true for double-sided duct tape, although you’ll need a lot of it for this choice.
- You can make a barrier for your kitten by tying pipe insulation together (depending on the size of your bed’s gap). Zip ties can be used to fasten the pipe insulation to the legs of your bed.
Bedframe Ideas
Think about obtaining a bed frame with a firm platform that extends to the floor if you’re considering a change! With no legs, you’ll be less likely to have cat toys fall beneath your mattress, which is great for families with little children. You’ll also save time cleaning!
As for individuals who enjoy the heightened feel, you may want to choose something even higher. A high bed platform is good for cat owners because it’s easy to find them and they won’t get trapped beneath the bed frame.
It will be lot simpler to get them to the veterinarian should the necessity arise, not to mention that vacuuming them will be a breeze!
The Best Gap Closers For Cats
If you don’t like the idea of altering your bed or installing a blocking solution, here are a few possibilities for a more subtle approach.
Since it’s constructed of clear plastic, this under-bed blocker is an excellent choice. Customizable, you can cut them to match the gap between your mattress and box springs. Make sure the floor is clean and dry before you apply the stickers!
Why Does My Cat Hide Under the Bed
Your cat may be hiding beneath the bed because it is afraid of anything that happened.
Although it’s possible that your cat was simply exploring and crawled under the bed, if you realize that your cat has been missing for several hours, it’s likely that they were afraid.
For your cat, the area beneath your bed serves as a secure haven. Your cat will feel safe and secure in the darkness. There are times when you can’t see if they’re even under your bed because it’s so black. Your cat may be able to regain their confidence by hiding out in plain sight.
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Keep in mind that your cat ran under the bed because he feels it’s the safest place for him to be, not because he’s afraid of anything.
Should I Let My Cat Hide Under the Bed
Keep your cat out of the shadows and out of your bed.
When the doorbell rings, your cat might rush out of the living room and go under the bed, but this isn’t a huge problem. Keep an eye out for how much time your cat spends under there, and take steps to keep it out. After all, you don’t want your cat to become overly frightened of new situations.
It doesn’t matter how little space you have under your bed, there are still things that could be dangerous to your cat.
- Metal bed legs have the potential to irritate and even cut the skin of your cat.
- Your cat may rip the mattress or box spring apart, depending on the type of bed you have.
- It’s possible for your cat to crawl beneath a low-lying bed and never come out again.
- It’s possible that your cat will return to the house covered in dust or worse, spiders.
How Long Will A New Cat Hide Under the Bed
You should expect a new cat to lurk beneath the bed for anything from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the cat’s temperament and attitude.
As a result, you’ve chosen a new feline companion and are settling in with him. And then he’s gone. After a thorough search of your home, you come across a pair of blazing yellow eyes peeking out from under your mattress. When will he emerge from his crypt?
New cats may spend the first few days of their lives hiding beneath your bed and exploring your home when no one is there. He’ll become a member of the family as soon as he feels at ease. Cats who are more fearful, especially those who have been in a shelter for a long period, may spend a week or two hiding beneath the bed.
Don’t ever give up on finding your cat, no matter how long it takes! Keep in mind that if you suddenly found yourself in a new and unfamiliar place with strangers, you probably wouldn’t enjoy it!
Where Can I Let My Cat Hide Instead
There are other places in your house where your cat can hide if you’re concerned.
- If your cat likes to hide, open a closet door that you know isn’t unsafe. Invisibility is not a problem.
- Consider purchasing a cat housing that your pet will be able to escape from.
- Create a sense of security for your pet by placing a cage with a blanket on top of it.
- If you don’t want your cat to hide because they’re afraid, consider giving them something to help them relax. Ask your pet’s veterinarian about it.
The bed isn’t the only option for your cat. It’s possible that you’ll have to think outside the box to come up with fresh hiding places. Cats prefer to hang out in places they are comfortable with. Make an effort to ensure the presence of scent-emitting products (and yours too). Using the same location to hide goodies can help them associate it with a sense of peace and security.
What If My Cat Won’t Come Out From Under the Bed
The bed isn’t your cat’s sole option. You may have to think outside the box when it comes to finding new hiding places. Familiar environments are preferred by cats. Make an effort to keep scented products on hand (and yours too). To teach your dog link a certain location with peace and comfort, hide goodies in the same place over and over again.
- Using a broom or other long-handled tool is recommended here. The best way to get your cat’s attention is by waving it in their direction. It could cause them to run out of supplies.
- You can feed your pet by opening a can of cat food or by shaking their favorite treat bag. There is a chance that their stomach is not as afraid.
- Play with a cat toy by swishing it around. If they hear a toy they like, they may come over to play.
The best thing to do if your cat is afraid of something is to wait for them to come out on their own.
Nobody likes their cat to be lurking under the bed, whether it’s a new or an old one. Cats should be welcomed into the household as soon as possible, and hiding is no way to do that. Keep in mind that your cat may be afraid, even if they prefer to hide beneath the bed. Slow and steady wins the race with your cat, and before you know it, they’ll have you wishing they’d stayed under the bed!
Conclusion
That brings us to the conclusion of our piece for the day.
How do you stop cats from scurrying under the bed?
Try to avoid your cats from doing the same thing by yourself.
As a result, you’ll have less hiding spots for them, especially under your bed.
There’s a chance they threw some dirt in there, too.
Helpful Tips on How to Stop a Cat from Going Under the Bed
How Do You Prevent Cats from Going Under the Bed?
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