Cat hiding on top of the cabinet?

Has your cat been hiding on top of the cabinet? This behaviour often signals stress, especially in multi-cat households. Cats climb when they feel unhappy, in pain, or scared, as higher places make them feel safer. Start by taking your cat to the vet to rule out physical issues. If all is well physically, something in your environment has likely caused the discomfort. Time to play detective and uncover the cause.

Stress and territory

In homes with multiple cats, territory and personal space become significant concerns. Cats are territorial by nature, and the presence of other cats can lead to stress and anxiety. High places like kitchen cupboards offer a refuge where a cat can feel safe and secure, away from the perceived threats posed by other cats.

Hiding as a stress response

Cats may hide in high spots as a response to stress or feeling threatened. This behaviour allows them to escape from interactions that make them uncomfortable and provides a safe vantage point to monitor their environment without being disturbed.

Providing ample resources

To minimise stress and reduce the need for hiding, it’s crucial to provide ample resources for each cat in your household, including:

• Multiple feeding stations: Ensure there are enough food and water bowls spread out in different locations to prevent competition.
• Litter boxes: The general rule is one litter box per cat plus one extra. Place them in quiet, accessible locations.
• Vertical space: Provide cat trees, shelves and window perches to give each cat its own space to retreat and relax.
• Resting areas: Create multiple cosy resting spots throughout your home where cats can feel secure.
• Scratching posts: Provide plenty of scratching posts to help cats mark their territory, relieve stress, and maintain their claws.

Enhancing the environment

In addition to providing resources, enhancing your home environment can help reduce stress:

• Interactive play: Engage your cats in regular play sessions to reduce boredom and burn off excess energy.
• Safe spaces: Create hideaways where cats can retreat if they feel overwhelmed, such as covered beds or boxes.
• Pheromone diffusers: Consider using feline pheromone diffusers to create a calming atmosphere.

Conclusion

When a cat hides on top of the cabinet, it’s often a sign that something is wrong or the need for a secure place. By understanding this behaviour and taking steps to reduce stress and provide ample resources, you can help ensure a more peaceful and comfortable environment for all your pets. Identifying and addressing the underlying issues will go a long way in making your cats feel safe and content.