Why Your Cat Is Hiding Under the Bed: 7 Common Reasons

Cats are interesting creatures. They can be crabby, interactive, standoffish, or comical. It can be tough to decipher why a cat does what they do, especially when it comes to things like hiding under the bed. So, why would your cat hide under the bed? There are seven common reasons to consider.

The 7 Reasons Why Your Cat May Be Hiding Under the Bed

1. They’re Doing It Out of Fear

The most common reason for a cat to hide under the bed is that they are afraid of something. You might notice that when an unusual noise happens in your home, your kitty makes a run for the bed and hides underneath until they are sure the coast is clear. Maybe your cat hides under the bed when a thunderstorm is happening outside. Even the sound of a doorbell can make a cat run for cover.

What You Can Do About It

The only thing that you can do to keep your cat from hiding under the bed out of fear is to try to keep noises that scare them to a minimum. If your cat is afraid of the doorbell, put a sign on your door that asks people to lightly knock instead. If they don’t like it when you vacuum, put them in a room and close the door so the noise doesn’t scare them as much. Projects that make a great deal of noise should be done outside so they won’t freak your cat out.

2. They’re Doing It for a Sense of Security

Your cat might be hiding under the bed just to get a sense of security while they nap. Cats like caves and other dark places because they don’t have to feel like they must sleep with one eye open in order to maintain safety. Being under the bed gives them the security that they need to know that they can get a good nap without worrying about trouble. They may even do this when nobody is home, and the house is quiet.

What You Can Do About It

Unless you don’t want your cat under your bed for some reason, there is no reason to stop them from hiding under the bed just to get a sense of security. If you keep things under your bed that you don’t want your cat near or you just don’t want them under the bed, try providing them with a cozy, dark spot to sleep in of their own. You can turn a basic cardboard box into a nice cave with the help of batting, material, and tape. You can also purchase a cave bed for them to climb in during nap time.

3. They’re Doing It Because They’re Anxious

An anxious cat may try to find solace under the bed where they can be alone and enjoy a quieter atmosphere. Stress and anxiety can be caused by various things. Being left alone for longer periods of time than your cat is used to might make them anxious and feel like hiding under the bed, even after your return. Any change in routine can create stress and/or anxiety in your cat and cause them to find a hiding spot. Under the bed happens to be an awesome spot!

What You Can Do About It

If your cat shows other signs of stress and anxiety, such as a change in appetite, urinating on the floor, or clinginess, chances are that their habit of hiding under the bed is due to stress and/or anxiety. If this is the case, it’s important to see a vet and determine what is causing the anxiety so it can be addressed. This way, you have a chance of getting your cat to stop hiding under the bed.

4. They’re Doing It Because They Feel Sick

When a cat doesn’t feel well, they tend to try to hide away from everything and everyone else so they can rest and heal. An ill cat will typically display other signs of illness other than hiding under the bed, such as a loss of appetite, lethargy, and a general look of unease. Hiding under the bed for a couple of days and then getting back into the action shouldn’t be worrisome. However, a cat that acts ill and stays under the bed for more than just a few days could be seriously ill and likely needs medical attention.

What You Can Do About It

If your cat seems ill and won’t come out from hiding under the bed, it’s important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. There could be a serious illness brewing that could threaten the life of your beloved feline family member if left unchecked. Make sure your cat has plenty of water and comfort until you can see the vet.

5. They’re Doing to Stay Away From Visitors

Sometimes, cats like to hide under the bed to get away from visitors who come to your home. If your cat isn’t interactive with people other than household members, you can be sure that visitors are the reason for their departure to the dark space in your bedroom.

What You Can Do About It

You can’t force your cat to interact with visitors or even be anywhere near them if they don’t want to be. You can, however, close your bedroom door so the cat can’t get under the bed. Make sure they have a safe space to hang out in the living room where you can keep an eye on them.

6. They’re Doing It to Get Away From “Chaos”

Another reason your cat might be hiding under the bed is that they want to get away from all the household “chaos.” Whether it’s arguing kids, a teenager and their friends singing karaoke in the living room, a dinner party with neighbors, or a football game playing loudly on the television, it could all just be too much for your furry friend.

What You Can Do About It

The only way to keep your cat from escaping to the bed is to keep the chaos to a minimum. Make sure your cat has a quiet place to go to other than the bedroom when things are chaotic. If chaos erupts unexpectedly, try to comfort your kitty with cuddling and petting until everything subsides.

7. They’re Doing It Because They’re Nearing the End of Their Life

When a cat knows that they are nearing the end of their life, they may want to find a dark and comfortable place to pass away on their own terms. If this is the case for your cat, they are likely old in age, and you know that the time is bound to come soon. They may even have health conditions that are life threatening and coming to fruition. Your cat is looking for peace, quiet, and comfort.

What You Can Do About It

Call your veterinarian for expert guidance and advice. They may recommend a medication to help make your kitty feel more comfortable. Spend as much time as you can with your cat, offering love and affection whenever possible. Make sure food and water are kept nearby and that the room is nice and warm.

Conclusion

There are many different reasons that your cat might be hiding under the bed. The trick is to figure out the reason so you can address it. Hopefully, this list will help you identify why your kitty likes staying under your bed so much and enable you to correct the issue if necessary.

See also:

• 6 Amazing DIY Cat Hiding Places You Can Create at Home (With Pictures)
• Can a Cat Sense Fear? Everything You Need To Know!

Featured Image Credit: ivSky, Shutterstock