It’s not uncommon for cat owners to notice their feline companions suddenly disappearing or hiding when they’re not feeling well. This phenomenon can be puzzling and concerning for owners who want to care for their sick pet. But why do cats tend to vanish when ill or injured? There are several explanations rooted in the natural instincts and tendencies of our furry friends.
This article will provide an overview of the phenomenon of cats disappearing when sick. We’ll explore the common signs of feline illness, examine why an unwell cat’s natural reaction is to find solitude, and offer tips for caring for a sick kitty who has hidden away.
Normal Cat Behavior
Cats are highly territorial creatures that have a daily routine within their home range. Research indicates that the average outdoor domestic cat has a home range of around two hectares (4.9 acres), with some roaming up to 1,000+ acres. But even housecats are territorial within the home, as they patrol and scent mark their domain.
According to studies, male cats generally roam over larger territories than females, likely up to 3 times as large. Neutering reduces roaming in male cats. The size of a cat’s territory can depend on the availability of resources like food and shelter. Cats are more active at dawn/dusk when hunting, and sleep up to 16 hours a day. They have regular paths or “runs” they patrol daily when outdoors.
Overall, home ranges give cats mental stimulation. Daily routines within their territory provide cats with environmental enrichment, sensory information, and a sense of control over their surroundings.
Sources:
https://tractive.com/blog/en/good-to-know/cat-territory-size-and-range-how-far-does-my-cat-roam
https://news.illinois.edu/view/6367/205315
Signs of Sickness
There are several observable signs that may indicate your cat is feeling unwell or sick. Some of the most common signs of illness in cats include changes in behavior, lack of grooming, changes in appetite, and vocalizing pain or discomfort.
Behavior changes like hiding, sleeping more than normal, or acting depressed or anxious can all be indicators of sickness. According to Beverly Hills Vets, “When your cat stops doing the things he or she normally does on a regular basis, you should consider it a clue that something is amiss.”
Cats are fastidious groomers by nature, so a lack of grooming or a matted, unkempt coat is abnormal. Poor grooming habits or fur condition can point to illness making it difficult for the cat to properly care for itself.
Appetite changes are another giveaway that a cat may not be feeling well. Common signs are decreased appetite, increased appetite, or unusual fussiness around food. Cats also sometimes lose interest in treats they normally love when sick.
Cats experiencing pain or discomfort from illness may vocalize more than usual through meowing, yowling, growling, or other sounds. Catington Post notes this is an obvious “cry for help” in detecting feline illness.
Why Cats Hide When Sick
One of the main reasons cats hide when they are sick is due to instinct. In the wild, appearing vulnerable can make a cat an easy target for predators. So when a domestic cat is feeling under the weather, those innate survival instincts kick in and they seek solitude in an effort to avoid appearing weak or easy to catch (1). Cats have a natural drive to conceal any illness, injury or vulnerability, so when sick, their first instinct is to withdraw to a hidden, safe spot.
Cats also hide when ill because sickness often brings lethargy, weakness, and decreased ability to defend themselves. A sick cat understands at a primal level that it is more vulnerable to attack when unwell. So cats isolate themselves in response, to avoid any potential threats during this physically compromised state (2). It’s simply a survival tactic, rooted in their fundamental predator-prey wiring, even if a domestic cat faces no real danger. When feeling sick and unable to protect themselves as effectively, hiding feels safest.
Survival Instinct
Cats have a strong desire for self-preservation rooted in their evolutionary history as solitary hunters (https://thatsmeow.com/history-of-domestic-cats/). As predators that hunt alone, cats needed to rely on their senses and instincts to detect and avoid threats in the wild. Being seen as vulnerable or weak could make them easy targets. This survival instinct remains ingrained in domestic cats today. When cats are sick or injured, their natural reaction is to find a safe, isolated spot to recover away from perceived dangers. Hiding is their way of protecting themselves at their most vulnerable.
Physical Discomfort
When cats are sick or injured, they often experience pain and discomfort, especially when moving around. Illnesses like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and ligament/disc disease can make normal activity quite painful for cats [1]. Even respiratory illnesses can cause body aches that make movement uncomfortable. Since cats instinctively hide signs of weakness from potential predators, they often suffer silently when ill [2].
To cope with this discomfort, sick cats tend to withdraw to secluded areas and avoid moving more than necessary. Hiding allows them to rest and recover while minimizing painful movement. It helps preserve their declining energy and reduces suffering caused by illness and injury. So when a normally active cat starts hiding and sleeping more, it can be a sign of underlying pain or discomfort from a health problem.
Lethargy
When a cat is feeling ill, it is not uncommon for them to experience lethargy, which is characterized by abnormal sleepiness, low energy levels, and lack of interest in their surroundings https://www.maddiesfund.org/kb-lethargy-in-cats.htm. Illness can sap a cat’s strength and make them feel weak or fatigued. Simple actions like moving around, eating, grooming, or playing can feel like too much effort for a sick cat. As a result, lethargic cats tend to sleep more than usual and avoid interaction or activity.
Cats naturally hide when they are feeling unwell as an instinctual survival mechanism. The lethargy and fatigue brought on by sickness often leads cats to seek out quiet, isolated, and dark areas where they can rest undisturbed https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/lethargy. They want to conserve their energy for healing, so they withdraw to comfortable spots like under beds, in closets, or behind furniture. Here, they can sleep and recover without expending energy on socializing or exerting themselves in any way.
Treatment Avoidance
One reason why cats may hide when sick is to avoid medical treatments that cause them discomfort or distress. As prey animals, cats have an instinct to mask signs of weakness from potential predators. This includes hiding injuries or illness that may make them vulnerable. According to Horwitz (2018), “Behavioral awareness in the feline consultation,” cats often avoid medical treatments like exams, blood draws, and medications because they find them unpleasant. The stress of being handled and medicated when already feeling unwell can cause cats to retreat and hide.
Cats quickly learn to associate visits to the veterinarian with unpleasant experiences. As a result, they may hide when sick to avoid being taken for medical treatments. Denenberg (2018) notes in “Tools for Managing Feline Problem Behaviours,” that medication cannot teach a cat more desirable behavior – it can only temporarily reduce anxiety and reactivity. Desensitization training is needed to help cats accept medical care more willingly. Until then, sick cats may continue hiding as an avoidance tactic.
What To Do If Your Cat Goes Missing When Sick
If your cat disappears when sick, it’s important to take action quickly to find them and get them treatment. Here are some tips on what to do:
First, thoroughly search likely hiding spots in your home and outside. Check in small enclosed spaces like closets, under beds, in basements or attics, under porches, or in dense bushes and trees. Cats often don’t go far when sick. Calling their name as you search may entice them to meow in response. If you still can’t find them, it’s time to expand the search.
Next, immediately contact local vets and animal shelters to file a lost pet report in case someone finds your cat. Provide any distinguishing details about your pet’s appearance and ask them to scan for a microchip if they receive any matching cats. You can also post details and photos on missing pet databases online and on social media.
To entice your cat back home, put their litter box and familiar bedding outside near your home where they can smell their own scent. Leave out food as well. Make sure to check these areas regularly in case your cat returns. You can also walk around the neighborhood shaking treats or toys that make familiar sounds your cat responds to.
Don’t give up hope if your sick cat goes missing. With some diligent searching and outreach, there’s a good chance they can be found safe and brought home for care. Just remember to stay calm and take proactive steps to increase the odds of a successful reunion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several key reasons why cats tend to disappear when they are feeling sick or unwell. First and foremost, it is due to their natural survival instincts – cats feel an innate need to find a secure, safe space when vulnerable. Their sickness also often causes lethargy and overall physical discomfort, so they want to rest somewhere quiet and undisturbed. Cats may also hide due to nausea or other treatment avoidance behaviors.
It is very important for cat owners to monitor their pet’s health and be aware of any behavior changes like hiding. If your cat disappears, try to find them and assess if they need medical care. Look for signs like lack of appetite, vocalizing pain, vomiting, etc. With attentive monitoring and care, you can get your cat prompt treatment and help them recover safely.