The 6 Most Common Reasons Your Cat Is Hiding Under Your Bed

1. They’re Scared of Strangers

The first and one of the most common reasons why cats scurry under the bed is that there are strangers in your home. If you have guests over that the cat doesn’t know or isn’t comfortable around quite yet, being beneath the bed is a safe zone. 

Anytime someone new comes into your home they bring along new smells that can freak your cat out. If your cat is hiding under the bed for this reason, leave them be. Ignoring them gives your pet the space they need. 

Once they feel confident, they’ll strut out and start smelling their new friend!

2. Something Feels Threatening

There’s no denying that cats can scare quite easily. If there’s anything unfamiliar to them happening in their environment, they may feel threatened and run under your bed to hide. This can be something as subtle as a new couch in the living room.

Cats are very attuned to their environment, so when the slightest thing changes, it can throw them off. Because felines are prey animals, they will often hide to be safe, even when there is no actual threat.

3. They’re Scared of Another Cat

Whether you’re bringing home a new furry friend or your cats aren’t getting along, one may hide under your bed to get some space. Believe it or not, a cat looking out of the window and seeing another one outside may be all it takes to send your feline under the bed frame. 

If this is the case, you can close the curtains to help your kitty feel safe again. It’s important that you don’t cut off their access to their safe zone, especially if it’s under your bed. When another cat is the issue, make sure you provide all pets with adequate stimulation, attention, eating areas, and separate litter boxes.

4. They Like It Under Your Bed

We’ve mentioned that cats hiding under your bed often happens because it’s their safe space. Sometimes, they go under there simply because they enjoy it! The space below your bed frame may give them the sense of privacy they need.

 
If it’s dark and warm, they just might find it the perfect location to snuggle up for a cat nap. They may not be hiding, so to speak, but rather enjoying a secluded spot to sleep. You can even add a soft blanket or a cat bed in the corner under your bed for some extra comfort.

5. You Recently Moved

Did you recently move into a new house or apartment? It can take cats a while to get used to new surroundings. Felines feel safe under the bed and can observe their new home without being too vulnerable. 

They’ll have to take in sounds, smells, and the new floor plan before they feel completely comfortable. It will take time and you should never force your cat to roam their new pad. When they feel ready and brave enough, you’ll find them slowly checking out the space one room at a time. 

Be sure to keep their litter, water, and food close by the bed if they aren’t coming out at first. 

6. There’s an Underlying Health Issue

When you find that your cat is hiding under your bed, you’ll want to make sure there isn’t an unaddressed health issue. Many times our pets will hide their pain and we won’t even notice they’re experiencing a medical problem. 

When a cat chooses to be isolated, it could indicate that something isn’t right with their health. While this is not always the case, you’ll want to bring your furry friend to the vet if none of these other reasons seem to fit your cat’s behavior. 

If you just moved, have visitors over, other pets are being rowdy, or your cat just likes sleeping there, you should have nothing to worry about!