Is hiding always bad in cats?

Not always — cats need safe retreats. New or prolonged hiding with appetite loss, litter tray changes, or lethargy usually means illness or severe stress and needs a vet visit.

How long should I wait before calling the vet?

If hiding over 24 hours with no eating, call your vet the same day. Cats that stop eating for 48 hours — especially overweight cats — risk hepatic lipidosis.

Can new cats hide for days?

Yes during adjustment — provide hiding spots, Feliway, and gradual room access. Eating and using the litter tray privately is fine; total refusal of food after 24 hours is not.

Do painful cats hide?

Yes — pain is a top reason for sudden withdrawal. Arthritis, dental disease, abdominal pain, and urinary obstruction all cause hiding. Quiet cats may show no other signs.

Cat Health

Why Is My Cat Hiding?

Quick answer

**Cats hide by instinct — under beds, in wardrobes, or high shelves.** Normal hiding in a secure spot with regular eating is fine. **Sudden withdrawal, hiding all day, not eating, or avoiding the litter tray** often signals illness or severe stress — UK cats mask pain until they shut down. Book a vet check if hiding is new or paired with other changes.

Key takeaways

Not always — cats need safe retreats. New or prolonged hiding with appetite loss, litter tray changes, or lethargy usually means illness or severe stress and needs a vet visit.
If hiding over 24 hours with no eating, call your vet the same day. Cats that stop eating for 48 hours — especially overweight cats — risk hepatic lipidosis.
Yes during adjustment — provide hiding spots, Feliway, and gradual room access. Eating and using the litter tray privately is fine; total refusal of food after 24 hours is not.

The full picture

Causes, home monitoring, treatment options and the exact signs that mean call your vet — in the complete guide.

Read the full guide Check symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hiding always bad in cats?: Not always — cats need safe retreats. New or prolonged hiding with appetite loss, litter tray changes, or lethargy usually means illness or severe stress and needs a vet visit.
How long should I wait before calling the vet?: If hiding over 24 hours with no eating, call your vet the same day. Cats that stop eating for 48 hours — especially overweight cats — risk hepatic lipidosis.
Can new cats hide for days?: Yes during adjustment — provide hiding spots, Feliway, and gradual room access. Eating and using the litter tray privately is fine; total refusal of food after 24 hours is not.
Do painful cats hide?: Yes — pain is a top reason for sudden withdrawal. Arthritis, dental disease, abdominal pain, and urinary obstruction all cause hiding. Quiet cats may show no other signs.

Reviewed 2026-06-25 against UK veterinary guidance · Information only — not a substitute for seeing your vet.