If you are a new cat owner and have finally convinced all to get one for yourself. You might have some exciting plans and shopping done for the new fellow. It might include a range of toys, the incredible collar, feeding bottles, the sleeping bed, etc., for the new guest. While you have all the arrangements ready to get yourself all cuddled and snuggling all day long, the story might be different in the real-time scenario. Well, many have a complaint the cat stick to some corner of the room. And while you expect some real quality time, the little cat won’t come out from under the bed.
Now the big question keeps smashing the mind, what happened to the cuddly cat? Why it won’t have fun? What’s scaring her, or why cat prefers staying under the bed?
Let’s talk solution
One would think of the pretty obvious answer when shoved through the issue: Cat won’t come out from under the bed. This would be nothing but requiring you to block its way under the bed. Some tools like a cat mat, an under-bed blocker, some books, or even boxes can do the job. While others might say, that cat can have anxiety and suggest not doing it to the cat.
But honestly, no single solution is out there to say it out generally. Not that the cat will come and express the issue, nor you can have them sit and tell not to go under the bed. And when the cat’s actually under the bed, especially the large, king-sized one, it sometimes feels nothing can get them out.
Different cats would have different reasons for doing so and demand further attention to cater to the problem. Let’s look into some interesting aspects of the same in the article below.
Why at first place the cat hides Under the Bed
Generally speaking, somebody hiding and disappearing to some space is usually when someone is afraid of something. If it were just a game, a cat would come a few seconds or at least say minutes after that. But staying all day long is probably out of fright.
The cat thinks that this is a safe place as it can escape the eyes and everything it is afraid of. And feels it has entered a safe zone. At times, the area under the bed is pretty dark, and one on checking might not even find the hint of a cat being there. Plus, imagine how much courage it would have taken and time by the cat to make this darker and isolated area as its safe zone. In this case, the cat would decide for itself the time to come out or unless comforted.
Why and for how long does the new feline go into hiding
This is a burning question, seen in cases of the new parents. They would be all excited and getting the room all set for the cat. But soon as the cat arrives, it would run away, and the cat won’t come out from under the bed. So here’s the gorgeous cuddly fellow gone from your sight. And this could vary from few days to even weeks.
This is especially true in the case of a new cat making its way to a new residence. The cat will go into corners and would stay under the bed. However, the cat would come out in the night and try coming out to explore the house.
Once the cat is comfortable with the environment and has thoroughly looked around, it will get satisfied in roaming around freely. Once the cat is familiar and feels like part of the home, it will take the house as a shelter instead of seeking refuge in hideouts.
Should one allow the cat to hide under the bed?
As a general rule, one should not allow the cat to conceal under the bed. But one needs to see when the cat hides because it has just become part of the family. Or is it when the bell rings, and someone new comes to the house. Under such circumstances, the cat is protective of fresh faces and experiences. Thus, it is nothing to be worried about. However, having the cat spends a lot of time under there is troubling. One needs to make sure the cat is not too reticent. Staying under the bed for long is not safe and can bring in some danger at some time. Some of the possible hazards that can occur by rushing to and staying under the bed are given below:
- The metallic frame can hurt the cat via a scratch or cut on the skin.
- The cat may rip into the spring of matrix or box, depending on the kind of bed set.
- The bed with little height off the ground can cause a cat to squeeze, especially when coming out.
- The dark, usually under the bed, can be scary for cats under there.
- The underside of the bed can have cockroaches or spiders and even dust.
What place the cat can hide Instead
If you have observed the habit in your cat or reaching out to a hideout, one might try making a comfortable place. This isn’t something dangerous if it’s temporary and in response to some new faces. A bed is not the only spot, and as it could be a little hazardous, as discussed above thus should be avoided. One could try distracting cats to some other place instead of making it comfortable for the cat and allowing the stay to be calm. The new site should be accessible for the cat’s recovery and a safe place for the cat. This place will, in turn, become familiar to the cat, which will be referred to instead of a bed.
This could be one of the following:
- Open up a closet for the cat if the hideouts are her rescue to escape guests. This will ensure safe and easy to recover space for the cat.
- One can also go for a comfy small cat house. It can both be built, customized as per the need of the cat. Or one can go for the ones available in the market. The cat can run into it and have a safe hideout instead of the bed.
- One can also go for a cage with a blanket thrown out. This will give a feel of mattress but will be better than that.
What should one be doing if the cat doesn’t come from Under the Bed?
Well, the cat can be demonstrating some serious hiding activity. This could be due to various reasons. But this is something the cat parent doesn’t prefer and wants the cat out. When the cat is in sight, it is also safe, and routine activities get done on time, like feeding the cat.
However, the cat has been innovative in reaching the middle. A place that is tough to be contacted, in particular, if it is one of the king-sized beds. Cat won’t come out from under the bed until you have some tools and skills to get it done.
We have devised and listed some methods and tools to help you reach out to the cat for one’s convenience. This will individually or together can be your way to get the cat out. But in case the cat is really terrified and would stay for longer, one can try to calm them or see a vet to control the anxiety. Using these techniques will not be recommended and can scare them instead.
- One can create the sound of a can or shaking a bag of food. The aroma of a cat’s favorite treat will get them out quick.
- One can entice them by shaking a toy before their sight under the bed. The idea of playing and their love for it will attract their attention and get them out from there.
- One can also use a long stick or a broom. Make sure you use it to wave and attract the attention of the cat. Make sure you do not hit the cat. Instead, it can bring out the fear in them.
- However, if the cat is petrified, be careful not to force them to bring out the fear in them and make them more anxious. If you want the cat to be friendly with you and your family. Try keeping the process slow and warm so the cat can feel like getting out of there.
What steps could I take to prevent Cat from Going under the bed?
Depending on why the cat won’t come out from under the bed, one should decide the strategy. One good way of doing it is redirecting the attention of the cat. Scaring will end with some scratches on the face. So make sure you don’t startle the cat.
Here are few tips you can go for:
- Designate a safe zone for the cat, where it can comfortably reside.
- Put some storage under the bed, where the cat can lay down instead of staying randomly down there.
- Remove anything that frightens the cat
- Try to illuminate the bedside so it doesn’t fall prey to darkness.
- Either block area under the bed else, raise the bed frame, so the cat doesn’t get squeezed getting down there.
Generalized Notes for handling the cat going under the bed
Hiding a cat is a usual thing that responds to a new environment or some new face. Otherwise, a safe and comfortable shelter becomes vulnerable due to the entry of new people or a change of space. Once they feel at home and get the due attention, they will put off this habit. Along with some care and love, the food and shelter provider will make a special place in the cat’s little heart. Plus will stir in the right confidence that will not shoo them away.
However, here are few pointers that can be generally considered or checked for in this very case:
1. Maintain patience
If you are one of the pet owners that claim cat won’t come out from under the bed. Do remember as a rule that the cats do behave this way and are perfectly okay. Until the underlying issue turns grave and keeps the cat going for an undefined period. If the kitty tries finding a resort under a bed, let them stay and don’t force them out. They will have a stronger repulsion instead of it and ensure hiding.
The cats actually have territorial instincts. They will try to rub off their scent to room and furniture. Until they get it done, they won’t be comfortable there. Plus, you should be developing relation of feeding and cuddling with them. This will win their confidence in you.
Having sufficient time with the cat will lead you to the solution by bearing it with patience and resilience. This will take time until they count it as their territory, a safe zone, and a place where they can feel safe.
2. Check if something in house petrifies the cat
It is essential to understand the cat quickly gets scared and repeats this hiding episode for quite some days. But if it proceeds to longer durations with the cat’s failure responding to call for food, something serious might be cooking. Something grave must be bothering the timid fellow and needs to be checked. See for the number of people making up for your house. Maybe the guests are loud and causing loud noises at your place. It could be music or TV in the room that can be bothering the cat. A noisy appliance and AC or generator could also trigger the cat for the same kind of behavior.
Checking out for such or all other possibilities can rule out the problem or lessen it until it is resolved.
3. Ensure a supply of water and food in the cat’s asylum
The cat that is hiding out is already scared to come out. In this case, the owner shall be watchful of the cat’s need for food and water. If your kitty is hiding while food and water are in another room, they may be too afraid to come out even to eat and drink. In addition, the kitty would be reluctant to use the litter box too and might be causing trouble with that too.
It is better to take charge in this instance and ensure the provision of food near the hideouts. This will stir an encouragement in the cat. It will bring them to venture outside and feel comfortable with other spaces too. All you need is little patience and an encouraging attitude to handle the cat comfortable in the house.
4. Appreciate cat’s positive behavior
A little positive attitude and spiritual uplift can take anyone a long way. The same is the situation with a cat. You can elevate positive responses and behavior in the cat by offering little treats. This could involve a toy shown that is dangling to a stick. Or one can entice with a favorite food.
Every time the cat responds, ensure gentle and friendly behavior. This makes the cat understand how safe it is, welcomed in the house, and a place to relate to as its own. Ensuring no threat will get the cat out from under the bed.
5. Declare cats own space
Allowing a safe area that is allotted in the name of a cat does the magic. The availability and assurance of safe, comfortable, and market territory of cat make it cozy like anything. Within few days of ensuring such space will ensure creativity, confidence, and happiness within the cat.
A little effort to design a comfy and relaxing room can help you win this game in no time.
6. See if the cat feels caught in the provided vicinity
Even when the cat is in known space, no matter how familiar a cat is with its environment, it will always want to see where the nearest escape route is. If the fur ball keeps it focus on the hideout and is barely coming out. One should try keeping the doors opened and have no obstructions in the way. This will ease the space for the cat and will make space it’s own following a few runs here and there.
