Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Welfare and Anxiety in Hiding Behaviour

Hiding behaviour in cats often indicates anxiety and stress. Understanding why cats hide and addressing underlying causes significantly improves feline welfare.

Key Facts

Hiding is a normal feline coping mechanism for stress and fear
Persistent hiding indicates chronic anxiety that requires investigation
Common causes include environmental change, new pets or people, and painful conditions
Providing appropriate hiding spaces actually reduces anxiety by offering choice and control
Forced removal from hiding places worsens stress and damages trust

Welfare Considerations

Hiding behaviour is a welfare signal that should trigger investigation rather than intervention. Understanding and addressing the cause of hiding improves welfare more effectively than simply preventing the behaviour.

What You Can Do

Investigate the cause of new or increased hiding behaviour in your cat
Provide designated hiding spaces including boxes and covered beds
Never forcibly remove a cat from a hiding place
Seek veterinary assessment to exclude pain as a cause of hiding