Cats are natural-born hunters with strong survival instincts. In the wild, sick or injured cats will often hide in order to avoid predators. This instinct to find a safe, secluded space away from threats remains strong even in domestic cats. When cats are feeling under the weather, their natural reaction is to withdraw to a hiding spot where they feel protected. This is one of the most obvious signs that a cat is unwell. Cats have evolved to mask symptoms of illness as a survival mechanism, so hiding is their way of recuperating in peace. It also prevents them from appearing weak and vulnerable to predators.
While healthy cats do enjoy having quiet alone time, extended periods of hiding can signify an underlying health issue. Understanding normal hiding behavior versus unusual hiding habits can help detect early signs of illness in cats. This guide will cover the common reasons cats hide when sick, what diseases may cause them to withdraw, how long hiding typically lasts, care tips for a convalescing cat, and when to seek veterinary help.
Normal Hiding Behavior
Hiding is considered a completely normal behavior for healthy cats. According to https://felinebehaviorsolutions.com/hiding-behavior-in-cats/, cats hide for various reasons as part of their natural routine. Cats are predators, so they instinctively hide in order to observe their surroundings and avoid potential threats. Hiding also allows them to retreat to a safe spot where they can relax and sleep undisturbed. Many cats hide as part of their daily schedule, sleeping in closets, cabinets, under beds or other tucked away places during the day, then coming out at dawn and dusk when they are most active for playing, eating, and interacting.
Kittens and shy cats may hide more often than bold cats. Newly adopted cats or cats adjusting to changes in their home also frequently hide until they adapt to the new environment. But a healthy cat hiding during its normal routine is not a cause for concern.
Signs of Illness
There are various physical and behavioral signs that may indicate a cat is feeling unwell or sick. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, some key things to look out for include:
- Changes in overall appearance or coat condition – the coat may appear dull, ragged, or unkempt
- Changes in litter box habits – increased frequency, decreased frequency, loose stools, etc.
- Changes in energy levels – lethargy, sleepiness, lack of interest in play or interaction
- Decreased or absent appetite
- Weight loss
- Neglecting grooming
- Discharge from eyes or nose
- Increased vocalization or changes in vocalization
- Hiding more than usual
- Apparent discomfort – flinching when touched, reluctance to move or jump
According to Hillcrest Animal Hospital Bartlett, other concerning signs include rapid breathing, shortness of breath, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or gums).
Some of these signs may be more subtle, so it’s important to know your cat’s normal baseline behavior and habits. Any deviations could potentially indicate illness or discomfort requiring veterinary attention.
Sources:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/recognizing-signs-of-illness-in-cats
https://www.hillcrestanimals.com/site/blog-memphis-vet/2020/03/12/how-to-tell-if-your-cat-is-sick
Common Illnesses
Cats often hide when they are feeling unwell due to common illnesses. Some frequent feline illnesses that may cause a cat to hide include:
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Upper respiratory infections: These are contagious viral or bacterial infections of the upper airways and sinuses. Symptoms include sneezing, eye/nose discharge, fever, and lethargy. A cat may hide due to feeling miserable.
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Kidney disease: Kidney disease is common in older cats. It causes toxins to build up in the blood, making a cat feel sick. Hiding is a response to nausea and malaise.
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Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland leads to weight loss, increased appetite, and hyperactivity in cats. The abnormal metabolism can make cats feel unwell and seek solitude.
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Feline lower urinary tract disease: This refers to disorders of the bladder and urethra, causing straining, blood in urine, and frequent urination. The discomfort leads cats to hide.
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Feline asthma: Cats with asthma have inflamed airways, causing coughing, wheezing, and labored breathing. Episodes can make cats hide due to difficulty breathing.
While each condition has unique symptoms, ill cats often withdraw to quiet, solitary spots during sickness. Consulting a veterinarian can identify the specific illness behind unusual hiding behavior.
Seeking Veterinary Care
It is very important to take a cat that is hiding for prolonged periods to the veterinarian promptly for evaluation. As previously mentioned, increased hiding can be a sign of illness or injury in cats. Cats instinctively hide when they are feeling unwell, so hiding more than usual or for longer than a day or two can indicate a potential health problem.
Some common illnesses that cause cats to hide more include infections, dental disease, cancer, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and arthritis. Cats are very good at masking illness, so changes in behavior like hiding may be the only outward sign of an underlying problem.
It is important not to ignore increased hiding behavior, as many treatable conditions can worsen if left untreated. Prompt veterinary care maximizes the chances for a good outcome. The sooner a problem is identified and treated, the better the prognosis for the cat. Your veterinarian can run tests to determine if there is an illness causing the hiding behavior and recommend proper treatment to help your cat feel better.
At the Veterinarian
When bringing a sick cat to the veterinarian, the vet will perform a full physical examination to check the cat’s overall health and look for any abnormalities. They will check the cat’s temperature, pulse, respiration rate, mucous membrane color, capillary refill time, and dehydration level. The vet will also palpate the abdomen, lymph nodes, and joints for pain, swelling, or masses.
Other common diagnostics the vet may use include:
- Blood tests – to check for anemia, infection, kidney & liver function, electrolyte imbalances, etc.
- Urinalysis – to assess kidney function and check for infection
- Fecal exam – to check for intestinal parasites
- X-rays & ultrasounds – to visualize internal organs and look for masses or foreign objects
- Endoscopy & biopsy – to examine the GI tract and collect tissue samples
These tests allow the vet to pinpoint the cause of illness and determine the appropriate treatment plan for the cat. Proper diagnostics are key to getting a sick cat back to health. According to the VCA Hospitals, a wellness exam allows the vet to establish baselines for your cat to compare to if they become ill in the future (source).
Treatment Options
There are various treatment options available for common illnesses that may cause a cat to hide. According to the VCA Hospitals article, the veterinarian will prescribe appropriate medications based on the diagnosis. Antibiotics may be prescribed for infections while anti-inflammatories can help reduce fever, pain and inflammation. Rehydration fluids can help cats suffering from vomiting and diarrhea. The Blue Cross article notes that appetite stimulants may be given if the cat is not eating. Pain relief medication can also help a sick cat feel more comfortable.
In addition to medications, the veterinarian may recommend supplements or a specialized diet. For example, probiotics can help restore good bacteria for gastrointestinal issues. The WikiHow article suggests offering bland foods like boiled chicken or fish to get a sick cat eating again. With the proper treatment prescribed by a vet, most cats recover fully from common illnesses after a period of rest and supportive care at home.
Recovery Timeframes
The amount of time a sick cat will hide often depends on the severity of the illness. Here are some general guidelines on recovery timeframes for common illnesses before a cat will stop hiding:
For mild illnesses like a cold or upset stomach, cats may only hide for 24-48 hours before starting to resume normal activity. However, some cats are dramatic when sick and may hide for 2-3 days even with minor illnesses before feeling well enough to come out.
More severe illnesses like pancreatitis, kidney infections or dental infections often cause cats to hide for 3-5 days while the infection clears with antibiotics. In these cases, once the infection is under control and the cat is feeling better, they will gradually spend more time out of hiding over a day or two.
Chronic conditions like hyperthyroidism can cause fluctuating periods of hiding that may last 5-7 days during flare ups. With treatment and stabilization it may take a week or longer for a cat to consistently stop hiding from the effects of the condition.
For very severe illnesses that require prolonged treatment like cancer or end-stage kidney disease, a cat may hide intermittently during flare ups over the course of weeks or months. Each episode may last 3-10 days as their health fluctuates.
If a cat is still hiding after a week without improvement, it’s very concerning and warrants an immediate vet visit for further evaluation and treatment. Extended hiding behavior often signals an underlying issue that needs veterinary attention.
Caring for a Sick Cat
When a cat is sick and hiding, it’s important to care for them properly at home if the illness does not require immediate veterinary attention. Monitor the cat closely and provide supportive care to help them recover. According to VCA Hospitals, encourage the cat to eat small, frequent meals of palatable, high-energy food1. Warm the food to body temperature to make it more appealing. Make sure fresh water is always available. Create a safe, warm, quiet space for the cat to rest undisturbed.
Check on the cat frequently, but avoid overhandling them. Gently pet or brush the cat if they seem receptive. Clean up any vomit or diarrhea right away. Monitor litter box habits. Collect samples if needed for the vet. Weigh the cat daily to ensure they aren’t losing too much weight.
According to Blue Cross, watch for changes in behavior or appearance that could indicate worsening illness. Contact the vet if you notice lethargy, appetite loss lasting over 2 days, weakness, breathing issues, or other concerning symptoms. With attentive at-home care and monitoring, many cats can recover from illnesses without needing to visit the vet.
When to Be Concerned
Cats naturally hide when they are sick or injured, but sometimes hiding warrants an emergency vet visit. According to the Preventive Vet, you should take your cat to the emergency vet if they are hiding and showing concerning signs like crying out in pain, vomiting repeatedly, or having trouble breathing. The Pet Health Network also warns that prolonged hiding is a red flag that something is seriously wrong with your cat’s health and they likely need medical attention.
Other emergency scenarios per the Preventive Vet include lethargy, weakness, seizures, unconsciousness, pale gums, bleeding, trauma from an accident, or poisoning. Essentially, if your cat is extremely distressed, unresponsive, or their condition is deteriorating rapidly, seek emergency vet care right away. Timely treatment can save your cat’s life.