Should I be concerned if my cat suddenly started hiding and only comes out for food?


  • My cat is 6 yrs old and up till a few weeks ago he was still like a kitten he tore through the house and jumps half way up the wall and would always be with me on my lap and anywhere I went he followed.

    The past few weeks he has been hiding under the bed and only comes out for food and litter box I am not sure what is going on with him any suggestions 



  • Hi Alexa,

    Provided any medical conditions have been ruled out, this sudden change in his behaviour is likely the result of a traumatic experience. Something has happened that has resulted with him being fearful and scared. This could be many things. Perhaps a visitor in the home started him? Or a loud noise outside took him by surprise? Did he accidentally knock over a lamp off a side table? 
    Whatever the trauma stems from - you will need to reassure him and bring him back out of his shell, so to speak. Slow eye blinking and physical movements around him is a great start. Allow him some one-on-one playtime therapy with a wand toy. Provide plenty of verbal encouragement and keep his daily routine regular and consistent. It will take a bit of time and patience but will be worth it. 


  • Yes, it is a cause for concern if your cat suddenly started hiding and only comes out for food. This change in behavior may indicate that your cat is experiencing some kind of physical or emotional discomfort.

    There could be several reasons for this behavior, such as illness, pain, stress, anxiety, or a change in the cat's environment or routine. It's best to take your cat to the vet for a check-up to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

    If the vet rules out any medical issues, you may want to consider if any changes have been made to your cat's environment or routine that could be causing stress or anxiety. It's important to provide your cat with a safe and comfortable environment and to keep their routine as consistent as possible.

    In any case, it's essential to address the change in behavior as soon as possible, as cats are often very good at hiding signs of illness or distress, and delaying treatment could result in more severe health issues.


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