Why does my cat hide under the bed or the sofa?

2 min read Updated on October 6, 2026

In shortHiding is normal cat behavior: he needs a refuge to rest safely, especially when there are people or noise. It is not sulking. What should alert you is a cat who suddenly hides more than usual, no longer comes to eat, or does not come out on his own.

What it often means

A refuge: deep rest under cover, from his prey and predator instincts.
Guests, building work, a move: he waits for it to pass.
Conflict with another animal in the home: he avoids rather than confronts.
Pain or illness: a cat in pain hides. That is the cause not to miss.

Signals to read at the same time

Duration: a few hours during a visit is normal; days are not.
Meals and litter: does he still come to eat and use his box?
His posture in the hiding spot: relaxed ball, or crouched, tense, dilated pupils.
The ears when you approach: toward you, or flattened.

What you can do

Never pull him out by force. A violated hiding place is no longer a hiding place.
Give him legitimate refuges: a box, the top of a wardrobe, a fabric den.
During a visit, give him a quiet closed room with water, litter and his blanket.
To help him out: sit at a distance, slow blink, a treat placed down, and time.

When to see a vet

A cat who has been hiding for more than twenty-four hours, no longer eats or drinks, cries when touched or breathes fast must be seen quickly. In cats, hiding is often the first and only visible sign of illness.

Frequently asked questions

My new cat has been hiding for three days. Is that normal?

Yes, if he eats, drinks and uses his litter at night. An adopted cat can take one to three weeks to come out. Keep him in one room at first, and let him come to you.

He hides at every noise. Is he traumatised?

He is probably sensitive, which is common. Give him height and hiding spots all over the home, and never force him to stay when he wants to leave. Trust is built through voluntary outings.

He has been hiding since the baby arrived. What should I do?

Keep his landmarks intact: same times, same places, a room of his own. Pair the baby’s sounds with good things, at a distance. Do not punish him and do not push him toward the baby.

Mimo reads behavior. It does not replace a vet.