Hiding places for your cat, aren’t they meant for scared or stressed cats? In fact, every cat should have them. Here are some tips on how to create good hiding places for your cat.
Why cats need hiding places
Most importantly, cats prefer to run away, rather than fight, if given the chance. This is also one of the reasons why many cats don’t like to be picked up. If you don’t have your four paws on the ground, you can’t flee either and you no longer have the freedom to choose what to do.
Not invisible
Being able to hide is therefore important to cats. Funnily enough, they think they are successfully hidden when they can no longer see the other person or cat. You might still be looking at three-quarters of a cat, still visible between the curtains, but because his head is hidden he thinks he has done a great job!
Hiding for shelter cats
Thanks to a 2014 study by Utrecht University, we know how important hiding boxes are for cats in shelters. Simple cardboard boxes already reduce stress. The result is that the cat will show himself more often when there are visitors and thus are more likely to be adopted. Similar results were later found in other studies.
Hiding places for the scaredy-cat
A frightened cat likes to hide. He needs time to get used to his new surroundings and will be happy with any opportunity to get away if things become scary.
- Leave a cat alone when in his hiding place. Don’t disturb him in any way, it should be a real safe place.
- Although some cats hide under the couch or behind the television, these are not a good choice. A cat can’t relax or put a distance between himself and the scary visitor.
- Install “walking trails” for your cat. The idea is that when walking around, the cat can occasionally take shelter under a chair, walk through a play tunnel for a bit, or stop behind a strategically placed vase. If you see that your cat is very wary or only walks along the edges of the room, such a “route” can be good support.
- Get down on your knees and look at your living room from the cat’s perspective. That may give you some great ideas!
Tensions between your cats
If there are (occasional) tensions between your cats, places of refuge are of extra importance. Cats do need to be able to move away, avoid conflicts, to maintain a good relationship. Creating high perches, preferably out of reach of the other cat, is a good start. But what if they’re both equally agile?
- Provide one cat with a sanctuary room by installing a cat flap with a microchip. It is an investment, but one that is worthwhile.
- You can use the sanctuary room to place a litter box and/or food, especially if there are issues between the cats.
- The cat that is being chased by another cat, would certainly appreciate the above ‘walking routes’.
For the relaxed kitty too!
Is all a bit overdone for your relaxed cat? Not really. We all feel the need to retreat from time to time. The same goes for your cat, even if he likes to be with you. If the has a choice where he wants to sleep, that is already a great first step toward optimal well-being.
Just like scared cats, relaxed ones should not be disturbed when they are in their hiding spot! An occasional cuddle that wakes him up is no problem, but if this happens regularly it will lead to stress.
What are good hiding places?
- Cat trees offer a good view and allow the cat to escape from other cats, babies crawling around, or intrusive visitors.
- For some cats this is still too ‘open’, they might prefer a deep basket on the top perch of the tree.
- In general, cats do not like to sleep at floor level. Therefore, always choose a more elevated area for baskets or boxes.
- Some cats are already happy with a towel or basket in your bookcase.
- There are countless hiding options for sale, from cat ‘houses’ to super-soft baskets, from ‘sleeping bags’ to designer furniture. See where your cat’s preference lies. For example, my cat likes to crawl under the grand foulard that hangs over our couch.
- Location is important: a low, open basket on the couch is not a hiding place. A hanging basket in a cat tree in a sunny spot is already a much better idea!
- Cats like it soft and warm, a soft blanket or cushion makes any hiding place immediately more attractive.
- Cardboard boxes warm up quickly, a cat feels surrounded on all sides and therefore safe. Even if the box is too small!
Do it yourself
If you like to get creative, Ikeahackers for pets are a good option for you.
Photo: Image by Françoise Bernard-Nicod @ Pixabay