Do Cats Hide When They're Sick?

Just like people, cats can get sick, but unlike humans, they tend to show it in different ways.

When you start to realize that your cat has been hiding away in quiet corners in your home instead of tucking herself into your lap, it can be a little upsetting, especially if you know that most cats tend to hide themselves away when they are sick. As you can imagine, one of the best ways that you can tell if your cat has come down with an illness is that they tend to hide.

When they are sick, this behavior of hiding comes from their wild instinct in which all cats do to protect themselves from predators... As you know, in the wild, sick or weak animals are easy prey for predators.

If your cat has been hiding, it could be indicative of a variety of illnesses, including but not limited to:

• Diabetes
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
• Heartworms
• Ringworm
• Upper respiratory infections
• Upset stomach
• Worms

Besides hiding, cats may display other kinds of behaviors and symptoms that show that they might not be feeling their best and require attention from your vet. If your cat is hiding while also displaying any of the following symptoms, it may be time to get them examined:

• An abnormal temperature that is too low or too high
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Cough that persists more than a day
• Difficulty breathing
• Eating and drinking more or less
• Pale, bluish, or dry gums
• Unusual lethargy
• Urinating or defecating more or less than usual
• Vomiting or regular regurgitation

Weight Loss in Cats
One of the most common symptoms of a sick cat, however, is weight loss. Not only is it one of the first things that occur with a sick cat, but it is also something that you are more likely to notice. However, keeping track of your cat’s weight by sight alone is not recommended.

For this reason, investing in a digital pet scale can help you check your cat's weight on a daily or biweekly basis, so you can keep track of any fluctuations that might indicate that something is wrong.

When you notice signs that your cat might not be feeling their best, it is crucial to continue monitoring their weight, behavior, symptoms, and then be prepared to take them to see the vet if your cat continues to show changes.

As noted, you should continue to monitor their weight and you will be one step ahead of the game to ensure your cat remains healthy as possible to live a long and loving life with you.