How To Get Cat From Under Bed

BetterWithCats.net may earn a modest commission when you use ane of the links on this page to purchase.

Information technology'southward a tale equally quondam as time, the doorbell rings, or you simply turned on the vacuum cleaner, and your usually stoic feline companions scatter across the business firm similar their life depends on information technology.

And where practise they go?

Well, they hibernate below the bed, of grade, expecting you lot to beg for them to come up out, knowing that soon the treats volition follow!

Then can y'all prevent this and block cats from going under the bed? You tin terminate your cat from hiding below the bed, by blocking every access. You can purchase under-bed blockers, or cram books, and storage boxes underneath. Eliminating stressors and creating a safety environs should also assistance prevent your cat from hiding in the first place.

If you want to know more nigh your cat'southward hiding behavior and all the ways y'all tin continue them from going under your bed, then we've got you covered!

Let'southward become started!

Why Is My Cat Hiding Under The Bed?

In that location are multiple reasons behind your cat'south elusive grapheme. One of them might be their natural tendency for secrecy, the need to exist left alone in sure hours of the day, or they might only be curious about what's nether the bed. But if you notice that your cat is hiding for hours then something might've scared them.

Afterwards all, similar almost creatures on this planet, including humans, cats love to be in a stress-free environs where they can lounge in the sunday unperturbed, go from one spot to some other for a serenity nap, or enjoy the view by the window. Loud noises, the constant presence of strangers, and a multi-cat household can button whatever kitty's social limits, which volition most probable result in hiding.

It'south also important to annotation that, being a new cat in the house usually means that your new friend volition need an adjustment period before they're comfortable with the firm, your possessor, or your other cat. Allow's not forget that cats adopted from the shelter might demand time to heal from previous traumatic experiences, and kittens that haven't been socialized properly will get hands scared of other humans, and pets.

Research that was done on the upshot of hiding boxes on stress levels in shelter cats, too showed that "While staying in an animal shelter, cats may endure from chronic stress which impairs their wellness and welfare. Providing opportunities to hide tin significantly reduce behavioral stress in cats."

While your kitty might not be in a shelter, they even so need their ain prophylactic space where they tin fully relax without interruption. In your case, it merely happened to exist the bed, since information technology has multiple escape routes, and your cat tin can observe anyone who'due south in close proximity.

How To Proceed Cats From Going Under The Bed?

Once your cat has secured his position nether your bed, getting them out of there volition prove a tough struggle. You can avoid this boxing of wits by following a few steps that tin can either help your cat lose interest in that special hideout spot or completely restrict their admission to it while offering them other more attracting options!

Allow's take a closer look at your possible choices!

i. Take Them To The Vet!

It can be perfectly normal to find a cat or kitten running to hide under the bed the moment you've brought them into your dwelling. Depending on their history or personality it might take them some time to get used to the new environment and their owners. It's besides normal for your long-term feline companion to run for encompass due to a loud sound, or an equally loud visitor.

Basically, hiding is more or less part of your true cat's natural beliefs, but if y'all notice hiding becomes the new norm then this excessive behavior should be enough to make you suspicious that in that location's a more serious underlying cause for such reclusiveness.

Senior Cats

As your kitty gets older you might find their behavior change, and a notable sign of aging in cats is hiding. According to Richard Goldstein, DVM, assistant professor in pocket-size animal medicine at Cornell University College of Veterinarian Medicine, "Some cats may need more emotional back up as they age and others may adopt to be left alone."

Before y'all blame your true cat's need for hiding under the bed equally an age affair, brand sure you take them to the vet first. Your cat might be in pain, and suffering from an age-related medical condition.

Pregnant Cats

If your cat is spayed this shouldn't concern you, merely if she isn't, and then their constant hiding might be because they're pregnant. Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM will tell yous that "many cats volition prefer to be secluded during the birthing process."

And so, while yous might be wondering that your kitty has simply gotten fatty, in reality, they might be pregnant instead and that'south reason enough to take them for a vet check-up!

Medical or Behavioral Problem

Physical or emotional discomfort is another major reason why your cat might be constantly hiding or avoiding your attention, that'south why the best form of activeness would exist taking them to the vet.

Tammy Hunter, DVM says that "sick cats ordinarily go withdrawn and may hide, although this does depend on the personality of the individual cat. Some cats get more clingy or demanding of attending, while others just get cranky."

Major stressors like moving, equally well as bringing home another cat, or human, can push your true cat into seeking solitude. This can exist acquired by their territorial nature or jealousy towards their owners. Past taking your kitty to the vet not only volition y'all exclude whatever health issues, just you'll also go the right communication on how to handle your cat'southward emotional wellbeing.

2. Eliminate Stressors

What makes a true cat hide are usually fears and anxieties that can be part of your cat's lack of early on socialization, or something they acquired over the years from previous mishandlings or even our own unconscious mistakes. For example, too much petting and constantly touching your cat can cause overstimulation, which can lead to aggressive retaliation, or in some cases they volition hide under the bed to avoid us.

The all-time way to eliminate the stressors that trigger your cat'due south fight or every bit in this case flight response is past finding out what in their environment causes this beliefs in the start identify. Was there a major or even a modest change in your cat's life, perhaps a cat they were bonded with passed away, or yous had to change their diet and feeding schedule?

Attempt being observant of the hours of the twenty-four hours your cat chooses to hide, perhaps there'due south construction work being washed in your area and your cat chooses to hide under your bed until the work is washed. If aught clicks then it's possible that the reason is much simpler, your cat misses you.

Cats despite their seeming aloofness need human being interaction. Near importantly cats demand to play, exist stimulated, and basically, a daily recreation of a hunting experience. As Debra Horwitz, DVM, DACVB explains "predatory play is an integral part of feline play behavior and early on learning."

Toys, tree houses that take a window view, good nutrition, and cuddle time are all crucial for the long-term happiness of a cat. If they don't get the attention, they demand then they won't experience safe, or happy, instead, they will feel abandoned, stressed and instead they'll seek solace in the dark space beneath your bed.

3. Offering Alternative Hiding Spots

I know that you might detect your true cat'due south hiding behavior every bit something negative, and of class, it tin be the consequence of an underlying physical or mental condition, but even the healthiest cats demand some fourth dimension out.

That'south why Dr. Horwitz explains that every bit cat parents you too demand to consider "your cat's need to be able to retreat and hibernate." She also states that for recently adopted cats or the ones that have moved to a new house, "denying the gamble to hide volition make things harder for the true cat. Instead, you should allow your pet to withdraw into safe, at to the lowest degree in the brusque term, and and then piece of work to brand the home and then appealing that information technology cannot resist the temptation to bring together in."

Even in a tiny apartment (and I know this considering I've lived in a tiny-tiny identify), you can find creative means to make small, comfy, and most importantly warm hiding spots. This is also 1 of the many reasons why cats actually do need a true cat tree.

4. Use Under Bed True cat Blockers

Now that you've ruled out any medical condition, and y'all've given your kitty plenty of hideouts, it's time you sealed off the area under your bed for skillful!

DIY Solutions

Depending on your cat's stubbornness and your own craftiness you could get-go by blocking the way with things you lot already own or checking for possible solutions at your local thrift store.

If you have plenty old books that are practically useless, or you lot've got a drove of shoeboxes, y'all could stack them onto each other around your bed.
Cardboard boxes tin can too be useful. By cut them in the right elevation and width you can place them all around the opening and glue them with heavy-duty double-sided tape.
Placing sheets of crinkled aluminum foil below the bed could make the hiding space less desirable considering of the dissonance and the sensation on their paws.
The same goes for double-sided duct tape, just this option can exist a fleck tricky since y'all will probably need a ton of it!
By tying pipe insulations together (depending on the size of your bed'due south gap), you can create a bulwark that your kitty won't exist able to pass through. Y'all can secure the pipage insulation to the legs of your bed using zippo ties!

Bedframe Ideas

If yous're thinking of changing your bed frame, then consider getting one with a solid platform that'south extending to the flooring! Beds with no legs can come in handy if you have small children, cat toys volition end finding their style under your bed, and most importantly it volition relieve you time from cleaning!

For those of you who dear the feeling of an elevated bed frame, you could expect for something that goes fifty-fifty college. Bedframes with a loftier bed platform are platonic for cat owners considering you lot tin easily spot them there, and there's no way they'll go stuck nether it.

Not to mention that taking them out in case they need a vet trip will exist so much easier and so will the vacuuming!

The Best Gap Closers For Cats

If irresolute your bed or building a blocking solution goes against your current aesthetic here are a few options for a more than discreet look.

This under-bed blocker is a seamless choice since it's made from clear plastic. They're customizable, so y'all can easily cutting them to fit your bed gap. Make certain you clean and dry the floor before you lot stick them down, for better results!

Sale

QIYIHOME 8-Pack Gap Bumper for Under Furniture

QIYIHOME 8-Pack Gap Bumper for Nether Furniture

Up to 10.5 ft long to stop annihilation from going under the sofa, bed and other furniture
Can exist cutting for lower gap
Installation takes seconds,
Hands stays in place
The sleek pattern blends under the furniture
Made of BPA free safe PVC
The strong sticker at the bottom ensures a perfect grip to the floor

Another similar option that promises to keep your pets from hiding under the bed is brought to yous by the same company, QIYIHOME, but with a more playful pattern.

QIYIHOME Gap Bumper for Under Bed

6 Pack, 80 inches long in full, can cake gap on either side of the bed
Business firm and piece of cake to install
The sleek white design blends under article of furniture
Keeps clay and grit from accumulating
Made of BPA complimentary safe PVC
The strong sticker at the bottom ensures a perfect grip to the flooring

My final and most favorite solution is a double win option since non only will you proceed your cats from going under the bed, but y'all'll also have more than storage room!

Amazon Basics Under Bed Storage Containers with Zipper

Amazon Nuts Under Bed Storage Containers with Zipper

Measures 18 past 42 by 6 inches
The storage bag's clear top makes it piece of cake to place contents
The zipper closure helps ensure dust-costless storage
The bag'south sturdy side handles let for easy moving
Works well for storing items like actress bedding, article of clothing, seasonal items, and more
Under-the-bed storage bag (2-pack) helps keep items safely stored and frees up extra closet and dresser space

5. Keep Your Bedroom Off-limits

Keeping the sleeping accommodation as a place where your cat can't enter might be the concluding and best choice for some of yous out there. This might sound outrageous for those of y'all who sleep with their cats, and I totally understand that, but information technology might be the safest pick for your kitty.

Especially if your cat always finds a way to hibernate beneath your bed, and bed blockers of any kind don't work for you, so training them to a new rule might be the just option. It can take some time for your feline companion to learn that they can't hide underneath your bed and let lonely enter your bedroom, but with some patience, positive training techniques, and more patience I'thou sure you could make it work!

What Not To Do!

As I've ofttimes talked near, there are certain ways we can approach our cats that can exist beneficial, and there are times cat owners tin forget the power of positive reinforcement tin can have on their little fluffballs! Veterinarians cannot stress enough that penalty doesn't work with cats, instead, it will only make things worse.

So, if you want to stop your cat from hiding under the bed then yous definitely shouldn't shout at them or use water spray bottles to get them out of at that place. This will simply reinforce the thought that you're not on your cat's side, and their need to hibernate volition grow. It's too possible that they began hiding when you tried to stop them from scratching the couch, by using negative tactics, or another "bad behavior."

If yous're trying to train your kitty, focus on rewarding the behavior you lot deem as favorable because that's what will motivate your kitty to alter. That's what will brand them feel condom around y'all and ultimately their demand to hide under the bed or hide in general will subtract.

Should I Let My Cat Hide Under The Bed?

Cats will hide, and if your kitty had a slight fright, letting them stay under the bed for a short amount of time is ok. But for some cats it tin get a habit and even every bit a short-term solution choosing that night space underneath your bed isn't always safe.

Equally we mentioned above, your cat might choose the bed as their hideout because of medical or psychological weather condition, in which case the vet should be your number 1 selection, but if this doesn't apply to you so the dangers lie in the bed itself.

The risk factors could include:

- - Your cat getting trapped nether the bed if it's too low.
  - Your true cat might hurt themselves when trying to squeeze out.
  - Depending on the kind of bed y'all own, the metallic legs or the metal bed frame could scratch at your cat's back peel.
  - Your cat will come out covered in dust, which could trigger yours and fifty-fifty your cat's allergies.
  - If your cats get-go fighting beneath the bed, breaking them apart will exist very difficult!
  - It's also possible that your cat will endeavor to employ the mattress for their scratching exercises. This way they can also rip the textile, which tin lead to injuries from the box springs.

But bank check out this kitty that looks a bit possessed, how long practice you remember this mattress is going to last?

How Long Volition A New Cat Hide Under The Bed?

Information technology's perfectly normal for the new true cat member of your family to hibernate beneath the bed. It's dark, difficult for humans to access and it offers your kitty multiple vantage points. I hateful if your cat is trying to run away from you or your other true cat what better spot is there?

I also understand that we all wait our cats to love the states the moment nosotros bring them into our home, just the truth is some cats are shy or had terrible previous owners so they need patience and unconditional support, to come out of their vanquish.

Some kittens tin be full of energy and trust while others might get scared easily. Yous tin expect your cat to slowly explore the house by venturing exterior step past step, and room past room, and it can even happen when you're not at domicile. They will begin to feel safe as they claim each territory by leaving their scent marks.

According to Dr. Wailani Sung MS, Ph.D., DVM, DACVB "cats also tend to cull conspicuous objects, such as a corner that sticks out, whether a wall, the edge of a coffee tabular array or sofa, or even the corner of a volume or box. Male cats tend to bunt on more items than female cats. Cats also tend to bunt over the scent marks left by other cats."

One matter is certain that information technology will happen in their own time, which can differ from i cat to another. If y'all find your newly adopted kitten or cat staying under the bed for unusual amounts of time, then call your vet. Perchance the cat is experiencing an underlying condition or hurting. A cat behaviorist can also help y'all navigate this new human relationship and help it flourish.

For those of yous who already have a cat, information technology's possible that they won't exist happy with the new arrival. In this case, both cats might try to claim the house as their own and if one kitty is less confident, bullying volition virtually probable get them cornered under the bed.

Equally Dr. Horwitz suggests, "with enough different litter boxes, climbing areas, and places to hide, information technology should be possible for many cats to adapt and remain together." Of grade, it'due south in your hands to continue your bed off-limits when information technology comes to hiding!

How To Go A Cat From Under The Bed?

Equally nosotros've established by at present, cats tin take their personal and legit reasons to hide under the bed. My fluffballs unremarkably run there to escape any medical handling or antiparasitic spot-on drug. It takes me a while to convince them to come out, merely over the years I've found a few methods that get the chore done!

Get-go of all, brand sure they're not hiding there because they're scared. If that'southward the case requite them a chip of time to come out by themselves, but if they're stuck there for besides long, my suggestion is to notice something your cats love to lure them out.

Using brooms, or even your own mitt to forcefully pull your cat out will most probable scare them even more, so staying at-home and understanding should exist your priority. Utilize a soft and loving tone when you call them by their name to brand them feel safe. Cats that are on the cuddly side will encounter it equally an invitation to be petted, but if they're too scared a can of their favorite true cat food instead should work its magic!

Only shake the bag of treats or open the package to let the olfactory property and the promise of a yummy meal become them out of their hiding identify. If your cat prefers playing, and then fiddle a cat toy shut enough so they can attain it. As they go more and more focused on the game movement the toy further away from the bed and finally out of the bedchamber.

Let's not forget that your cat volition spend less and less time under the bed if you create the perfect environment for them around the house. Make sure they have multiple and nigh importantly more alluring hideouts, and a positive as well as a stress-gratis dwelling to run back to!

I know that there are crucial moments when you need to get your true cat from under the bed equally soon equally possible. For instance, a lot of cats will effort to disappear when they hear their carrier rattling, as yous gear up it for the vet, simply even if this is the case scaring them out of their condom identify will only piece of work against y'all in the long run.

Tips On Where To Let A True cat Hide Instead

At that place are multiple means to make your kitty feel happy, ane would be providing them with hiding places. I mean most of us besides need some alone fourth dimension from time to fourth dimension, so why would our kitties exist any unlike?

The first affair yous need to consider when choosing a hiding spot for your cat is how safe and easily attainable it is. It'due south important that your feline companion can easily get in and out, especially if they're older or they take mobility bug. An easy solution could be a cat house that you tin place in a repose room, where they won't be disturbed. However, some cats may actually like to have a hiding area or cat tree that's in a socially meaning area so brand sure you consider the location that makes the most sense for your cat.

Some cat parents might prefer crates, which they tin cover with a low-cal blanket to create the illusion of a hiding place. Depending on the crate's size you can add together lots of warm blankets and toys and permit your cat relive your babyhood ford experiences!

If you're good at crafts, you tin also make a DIY true cat business firm made of paper-thin boxes. And allow'due south non forget the almost mutual option of leaving the door of your closet open. As ever, you will take to make sure it'due south a safe alternative for you and that the door remains open at all times. I ordinarily place a warm blanket over my clothes to go along my kitty comfortable and my dress fur-gratuitous!

Finally, make sure your true cat has sufficient elevated areas since virtually cats enjoy staying concealed only they also capeesh a good view of the whole business firm. Remember of your cat every bit your personal batman!

Endmost Thoughts

And so, to epitomize what we've all learned here today, while bed gap blockers are an efficient way at keeping even the smallest of kittens from hiding beneath the bed, it'due south also important to understand why they need to hide there in the first place.

As cat parents, we are oftentimes called to explore the needs of our feline companions, in guild to make them experience safe and welcomed in our domicile. And so, before yous decide to take abroad that one safe spot make sure you're offering them an alternative!

Now tell united states of america, exercise you have any suggestions on how to block cats from going under the bed? Give usa your unique accept on this subject, because what worked for you lot could work for more cat people out there!