A Quick Guide to Feline Behavior: What Does It Mean When Cats Hide?

When cats hide, they aren’t simply waiting for you to seek them out. Instead, cats sniff out quiet, dark, seemingly inaccessible places so they can go it alone – especially if they are in ill health. But why do they do this? How can cat owners help? Paying extra close attention to the subtle art of feline behavior is a good place to start.
February is National Cat Health Month; and while we focus on cat health every day, we wanted to take advantage of the spotlight to showcase this often-misunderstood feline behavior.
The Cat Barometer
While cats are often perceived as aloof or elusive, they are actually speaking volumes with their unique feline behavior traits. If your cat is hiding or isolating himself from you and your family, consider the following:
- Take note of their appearance – Are their eyes clear and alert? What is the condition of the coat and skin? Are they under or over grooming themselves? Does their breath smell? Do you notice any lumps or bumps? Are they hunched over while sitting down or showing irritability when they cannot get comfortable?
- Observe them when they eat and use their litter box – If they try to pick up their food but drop it, they may have a dental problem. Are they drinking and urinating more than before (indicating possible serious health concerns like diabetes)? Also, going to the bathroom outside the litter box can be indicative of larger concern, such as painful arthritis.
- Energy levels – Is your cat sleeping more often? Are they showing a lack of interest in things that previously excited them, like treats or toys? Do they appear restless or uncharacteristically aggressive? Cats that are atypically clingy or excessively vocal may need help, too.
Grasping Feline Behavior
Anytime you notice departures from the usual, we recommend contacting us. It might not be clear at home whether your cat is sick or injured, but with an exam, advanced diagnostics, and a discussion on their medical history and lifestyle, we can figure out what the underlying cause is.
We can effectively plot a course for symptom management and treatment. This may include medication, change in diet, and even physical rehabilitation.
Changes at Home
You may notice additional changes in feline behavior at home afterwards. Extra considerations regarding placement of their food/water bowls, litter box, and bed are critical to their comfort.
Likewise, it may be time to manage their exposure to other people and pets in the house. Talk to kids about giving your cat a larger space bubble and be sure they have a place of refuge.
Supporting Feline Behavior
Truly the best way to deal with feline illness or injury is to maintain their schedule of routine wellness exams. Preventive medicine is ideal. As a cat owner, you can support your feline’s happiness and well-being by:
- Scheduling a yearly or bi-annual wellness exam
- Staying up to date with feline vaccinations
- Maintaining regular dental care
Remember, early detection is the key to a long and healthy life!
Helping your cat live their best possible life is a huge priority for us at Cat Care of Vinings. Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
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Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…