Last Updated on January 19, 2023 by admin
If your cat is scared and goes into hiding it’s important to remain calm and lure them out of hiding without resorting to force or yelling. Your cat is scared for a reason and you need to put yourself in your cat’s shoes. If you don’t know what caused your cat to be scared in the first place, try to figure out what’s causing this behavior and do your best to eliminate those stressors or find a way to work around it in the future.
Here is a quick rundown of ways to get your cat out of hiding:
- Use treats or food as bait – Leave a trail of treats or strong-smelling wet cat food leading to an area where your cat can feel safe and secure.
- Use a calm, comforting voice – Speak softly and reassure your cat that they are safe.
- Use pheromones – Scratch your cat’s neck or gently pet their head to release pheromones that are calming and reassuring.
- Provide hiding places – Encourage your cat to hide by providing them with boxes, bags and other hiding places they can explore.
- Keep the surroundings calm – Have your kids and other pets leave the room to help keep the area quiet, so your cat feels more comfortable coming out of hiding.
Using a Calm, Comforting Voice
Keep in mind that cats can feed off your stress, so speaking in a calm and soothing tone is essential. When communicating with your cat, try to keep your voice gentle and encouraging. Talk to the cat in a low, soothing voice and avoid handling it by its scruff. If the cat is hiding, it is best to sit down next to them rather than approaching them directly. This will help them feel secure and provide them with the comforting presence that they need. Additionally, you can provide soft classical music or pleasant sounds in the background as this might help calm the cat down.
Consider Using a Toy
If your cat is still too scared to come out of hiding, consider using a toy as a distraction. Toys can help draw the cat’s attention away from its hiding place and give it something to focus on. Try using small toys you can gently throw for them, such as a ball of foil, scrunched up paper or a ping pong ball. Fishing rod toys allow your cat to chase the toy without anyone having to reach into the hiding spot. Additionally, interactive toys such as wand toys or fishing pole type toys can also help provide mental stimulation for your cat and can help encourage them to come out of their hiding spot.
Shut the Door
Once the door is shut, it’s important to stay calm and relaxed. Try not to move around or make any loud noises that may alarm the cat. Speak in a soothing voice and let her know that you are there to help her. It may take a while for the cat to come out of hiding, so be patient and don’t rush her. If you have time, try reading a book or listening to music while you wait, as long as it is not too loud.
Use Strong-Smelling Food
Once you have created a calm, comforting environment, you can use strong-smelling food and treats to draw the cat out of hiding. Sardines, tuna, and other types of smelly food should be heated in order to create an even stronger scent. Try placing the food near their hiding spot while making sure they can not see you. If they do not come out, you can further entice them by leaving a trail of food leading outside of the hiding spot. Additionally, you can leave some treats just outside of the hiding spot so that they can smell it without having to come out. Do not rush towards them if they do poke their head out – give them time and space to come out from their hiding place on their own.
Offer Treats and Speak Softly
One way to help coax your cat out of its hiding place is to offer it treats. Sit calmly near your kitty’s hiding spot and offer them a lean piece of chicken or a store-bought treat. It may take some time to determine what kitty likes best, so try different types of food or snack treats. Special snacks can be used to gradually draw the cat from its hiding place. Be sure to speak softly to your cat as you do so, and every time you pass their location. Eventually, your cat will come out of its hiding spot when it feels safe in your presence. If your cat won’t eat her favorite treats, she may have toothache, so make sure she has access to fresh water and food near her hiding spot.
Make Sure There Is a Space for the Cat to Go
Finding a safe space for your cat to hide is important when they’re feeling scared. You can provide cats with safe spaces in the home, from cat caves to cat trees and DIY designs. Finding a safe space for your cat may help them feel secure and comfortable, making it easier to coax them out of hiding. If you have multiple cats, be sure to provide enough spaces so they don’t have to compete for hiding spots. In addition to giving cats a place to hide, try providing plenty of mental stimulation in the form of interactive play behavior. This will help keep their minds active and engaged in a positive way, which can reduce stress and help them feel more secure.
Let Your Cat Take Its Time
When it comes to getting a scared cat out of hiding, it’s important to let your cat take its time. It may take some time for a scared cat to come out of hiding, and that’s okay. Cats need to feel safe and secure before they’ll come out of their hiding spot. If you try to rush your cat, you could scare them even more and make them retreat further into hiding. Instead, try using a calming voice and speaking softly. Make sure you give your cat plenty of space and don’t force them to come out before they’re ready. You can also use pheromones or play behavior to provide mental stimulation and comfort. Finally, if you can reach their neck or head, try gently petting or scratching it as this can be a comforting gesture for cats.
Use Pheromones
Pheromones can be a great way to help your cat feel more at ease and secure in its environment. Cat-calming pheromone diffusers can help reduce anxiety-related behaviors like hiding. You can also try leaving treats outside of their favorite hiding spot to encourage them to come out. Make sure to let them come to you and move at their own pace.
Play Behavior to Provide Mental Stimulation
Play behavior also has a major role in providing mental stimulation for cats. Playing with interactive toys such as dangle toys or hiding food and treats can help cats gain confidence and have fun. When playing, it’s important to behave in a certain way around nervous cats, speaking softly and moving slowly from room to room. This helps the cat feel safe and secure. Additionally, providing your cat with fun places to hide can help them feel more comfortable. Simple cardboard boxes tipped on their side with a catnip toy inside can provide a space for them to cozy up and relax. Lastly, include different toys for cats with anxiety in play sessions so they can satisfy their prey drive.
Scratch Their Neck or Gently Pet Their Head
Once your cat is out of hiding, it’s important to ensure you’re providing them with a safe and comfortable environment. To make sure your cat feels secure, you can try gently scratching their neck or petting them on the head. This can help them to relax and feel more secure around you. When you are petting your cat, make sure to take things slow and let the cat decide when they are ready for more. Start by extending your fingers towards their nose so they can sniff you, and if they come forward to rub against your finger, you can slowly start to stroke the back of their neck and head. Make sure to look out for any signs that your cat doesn’t want to be petted anymore, like swishing their tail or flattening their ears. If this happens, respect their boundaries and let them go back into hiding if they need to.