Why is My Cat Hiding Under Furniture? + Tips for How to Get Them Out

“Fluffy, where are you?!”

All cat people know the familiar panic of rushing around their house, unable to find their cat. 

All cat people also know that, more often than not, their cat is hiding under a piece of furniture far out of reach of any humans. 

While this can seem frustrating, there are good reasons as to why your cat is hiding under the furniture. 

Why Cats Hide Under Beds, Couches, and Other Furniture

Cats hide under furniture because:

• They Are Scared 
• They Are Playing
• They Are Tired
• They Need Space
• They Are Sick

They Are Scared 

Friends. Repairmen. Fireworks. New babies. Any unexpected visitors or loud noises can put your cat on edge and make them want to hide. Stowing away under furniture helps your cat to feel safe and protected from these outside intruders. 

They Are Playing

You can bring the cat inside, but you can’t take the hunting spirit out of them. A lot of cats will find it fun to pretend to hunt during playtime by hiding underneath furniture then jumping out to startle their human. They’ll also do this to other cats, people, dogs…the whole family!

They Are Tired

Think about the last time you were exhausted and just wanted to curl up under a blanket and be left alone to sleep. Your cat gets that same feeling! If the underside of your furniture is comfortable, your cat may choose to take a long nap there. My cats will sleep under my bed—and even snore!

They Need Space

Just like humans, cats sometimes need a little alone time to recharge and relax. Respect their space and give them the time they need to be alone. When your cat is ready for your company, she’ll come out to see you. 

They Are Sick

Sometimes, hiding under furniture is a sign from your cat that something is physically wrong and they’re sick. Cats are pros at hiding any sicknesses, so it’s up to you as their guardian to watch for signs and get them help. If your cat is hiding more than is typical for them, schedule an appointment with their vet ASAP. It’s better to be safe than sorry.  

How to Get Your Cat Out From Under Furniture

If you need to get your cat out from under your furniture, you can:

• Bribe Them with Treats: Food motivated cats may come out if you offer them a favorite snack. 
• Use a Toy: Wand toys are perfect for enticing your cat to come out from under furniture. 
• Wait Them Out: With time, your cat will come out all on their own. 
• Move the Furniture: It’s not convenient to move a king sized bed, but in an emergency, you’ll have to move the furniture to get your kitty out safely. 

Keep Your Cat From Hiding Under Your Furniture

If you want to stop your cat from hiding under beds, couches, and other furniture, the best thing to do is block off the undersides so they can’t get in in the first place. 

This can be done by purchasing furniture that sits flat against the floor without elevation, securing boards around any open spaces, or even putting storage bins under the furniture so there isn’t any room for your kitty. 

Do your cats hide under furniture? Share your best tips for dealing with this in the comments below!