Why Is My Cat Hiding Under the Bed? Causes, Solutions & When to Worry

• The “Safe Zone” Instinct: Cats instinctively seek small, covered spaces (dens) to feel secure. Under the bed is often the ultimate bunker.
• New Cat Decompression: It is perfectly normal for a newly adopted cat to hide under the bed for days while adjusting to new smells and sounds.
• Sudden Changes Matter: If a confident cat suddenly starts hiding, it is a major red flag for illness, pain, or environmental stress.
• Never Force Them: Dragging a cat out from under the bed increases trauma. Use patience, treats, and toys to lure them out.
• Watch the Appetite: If your cat is hiding and refuses to eat or use the litter box for 24 hours, see a vet immediately.

Your bed creates a “cave” with a low ceiling and limited entry points, making it the most defensible position in your bedroom. For most cats, this is simply their version of a panic room or a quiet sanctuary away from the chaos of the household.

However, the context matters. A cat napping there is different from a cat cowering there.

• The Timeline: A brave cat might come out in a few hours. A shy cat might hide for a few days or even weeks.
• What to Do: Set up an “acclimation room” (often the bedroom) with food, water, and a litter box nearby. Let them hide. They will explore when the house is quiet, usually at night.

• Environmental Shock: Did you use the vacuum? Move furniture? Have guests over? A sudden loud noise or disruption can send a cat running for cover.
• Medical Issues: Animals instinctively hide when they feel vulnerable. If there were no loud noises or guests, sudden hiding is often the first symptom of pain or illness.

Common Stress Triggers:

• Loud Noises: Construction outside, thunderstorms, or fireworks.
• New Additions: A new baby, a new partner, or a new pet can make a cat feel displaced.
• Inter-Cat Conflict: In multi-cat homes, one cat may be bullying the other. The victim hides under the bed because it is the only place the bully cannot corner them easily.

When a cat is stressed, their body language changes. Before they retreat to the bed, you might notice signs of fear.

Is it normal?
Yes, if your cat comes out happily for meals, play, and greetings, they are likely just using the bed as a premium napping spot.

• Refusing to eat or drink.
• Not coming out to use the litter box.
• Lethargy or sleeping more than usual.
• Growling or hissing when you look under the bed.

If the hiding is paired with any of these symptoms, do not wait. Schedule a vet visit immediately.

• Do Not Force Them: Never drag a cat out. This destroys trust and confirms their fear that the outside is dangerous.
• Create Alternative “Dens”: If they like being covered, provide a covered cat bed, a cardboard box with a blanket, or a “cat cave” in a quiet corner.
• Control the Environment: Use pheromone diffusers (like Feliway) to signal safety. Keep the house quiet and calm.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Sit near the bed (don’t look directly under it) and read a book aloud softly. Toss high-value treats near the edge of the bed to encourage them to step out.

• Under-Bed Blockers: Use clear plastic blockers designed for pets/toys.
• Storage Solutions: Fill the space with rolling storage bins or suitcases so there is physically no room to enter.
• The Trade-Off: If you block the bed, you must provide a new safe hiding spot (like a covered box) right next to the bed immediately, or the cat’s anxiety will skyrocket.

• The cat has not eaten for 24 hours (risk of fatty liver disease).
• The cat has not used the litter box for 24 hours (risk of blockage).
• You hear panting or open-mouth breathing.
• The cat is hiding after a physical trauma (fall, fight).

• How long will a new cat hide under the bed?
  It varies by personality. A confident cat may hide for 1–2 days, while a fearful or trauma-impacted cat may hide for 1–2 weeks. As long as they are eating and using the litter box at night, give them time.
• Should I pull my cat out from under the bed?
  No. Forcing a cat out of their safe zone triggers a “fight or flight” response. It causes immense stress and may result in you getting scratched or bitten.
• Is it okay if my cat sleeps under the bed every day?
  Yes, as long as they come out for normal activities like eating, playing, and socializing. If they only exist under the bed, that is a quality-of-life issue that needs addressing.
• How can I get my shy cat to explore more?
  Use “scent swapping.” Place items that smell like you near them. Create a trail of treats leading away from the bed. Engage them with a wand toy to lure them out in a play state, which overrides fear.
• Is hiding under the bed normal after moving to a new house?
  Absolutely. It is the most common reaction to a move. Keep them confined to one room (the bedroom) for the first few days so they don’t feel overwhelmed by the whole new house at once.

Monitor their health, offer them patience and alternative safe spaces, and if the behavior seems sudden or persists with loss of appetite, consult your veterinarian. By respecting their need for a “bunker,” you build the trust that will eventually encourage them to come out and join the family again.