Your cat is part of the family and many times she is the only partner you have in your home. This is why you need to take care of her and ensure she is happy and healthy.

The happiness and good health of your cat is key to giving you the company you need, especially when you are relaxing at home.

However, just like humans, cats face situations or conditions that make them develop abnormal behaviors.

One of the behaviors that your cat might develop is hiding. Cat hiding behavior is common among many cats and yours might not be exceptional.

Here are some of the causes of cat hiding behavior:

Illness

When your cat starts hiding, this might be a sign of illness, something wrong with her health. Especially when your cat behavior changes suddenly.  The cat might be going through pain or is suffering from an illness that requires immediate medical attention. Other signs that may be an indicator that your cat is sick include: loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea among other abnormal behaviors. 

Anxiety, stress or fear

It is normal for your cat to hide if it is new in your family. It will take time for it to adjust and this might make it to hide. At this moment, you should not force it to come out of the hiding. What you need to do is make it adapt to the new environment. You should also give it good treats or even a toy. Your cat might also hide if you change your house. Naturally cats do not like changes and they seem to retreat when change occurs until they fully adapt to those changes. Strangers in your house might also make the cat to hide as they take cover. 

When playing

When cats are playing, they like hiding in paper bags and boxes they find in the house. If you find your cat hiding in such places you do not have to worry because this is what gives them fun. 

During pregnancy 

A pregnant cat that is almost to give birth might also develop the hiding behavior. In most cases, they do this as they prepare a nest for the kittens, and this is normal behavior, so no point to worry. To ensure that your cat does not get stressed when looking for a nest to give birth, it is advisable to offer it a nesting box. Place it in a good location where it can access it easily. 

How to deal with the cat hiding behavior?  

When you realize that your cat hiding behavior is not normal, it is important to try to help it. Here are some of the most effective ways to help.

Normalize your new environment fast

When you have moved to a new house or any other environment, you can help your cat stop hiding by normalizing it quickly. You can do this by ensuring that you settle quickly and make your house look normal. Unpack all your items and set up its tree by the window to make it adapt quickly too. Give it toys the first day so that it can start playing and find the new house comfortable.

Provide safe space

Cats are usually afraid of visitors or change in routines. If you find that your cat is hiding because of being uncomfortable or fear, you need to give it a space haven to stay. You can have a nice box with a blanket in it to make it feel more comfortable. 

Consult your vet

Your cat might develop hiding behavior because of illness. It is good that you also look at its defecating, drinking, eating and urinating habit to find out if there are more problems than meets the eye. If you recognize this abnormal behavior, you need to talk with your vet. Your vet has the ability to assess the pet and recognize the illness, it might be suffering and offer the right treatment.

Treat it in a friendly manner

If you develop the habit of confronting your cat, it might start hiding from you. The best solution is to treat it warmly and in a friendly manner to make it feel comfortable in your house. 

The animal behavior experts discovered that cats release hormones linked to anxiety when they are handled by humans.

Researchers say that the pets become stressed if they’re constantly petted.

On the other hand, cats may ignore you, hiss at you, scratch you (or the furniture), and spray. While this can be frustrating and make the owner feel like the cat is out to make everyone's life miserable, the truth is these behaviors can range from normal to a sign of stress. The causes of stress can range from a change in routine to illness.

Knowing what to look for and how to understand your cats can be the key to making a calm household for everybody.

The most important thing is, try to understand your cats, what they want to communicate through their behaviors as hiding, scratching, hissing and don't just assume that they are being bad on purpose or that they want to upset you. There may be a real issue making them act the way they do.

In the end, your feline companion is not just a pet, but a cherished member of your family.

Often, she is the only constant presence in your home and can become a loyal and trusted companion.

Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening at home or seeking comfort during challenging times, your cat is there for you. Her affectionate purrs, playful antics, and soothing presence can make all the difference in your daily life.

For many cat owners, their furry friend is more than just a pet, but a beloved member of the family who brings joy and companionship into their lives.