Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My cat hides in bedroom. Should I play there or stick to routine?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Curl | Female | 3 lbs

Hi, I have 1 more question about "Scruff". We have a Husky/ wolf mix who is very friendly towards cats, and our other cat Bitsy. "Scruff" seems to be hiding in our bedroom, I have been going in there and playing with her about 8 times a day. Should I continue to go in the bedroom and play with her, or ,should I just go about my normal routine and eventually, Scruff will start coming out in the living room with us??

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on December 14th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think it would be best if you go about your normal routine without going to the room as much as that may encourage Scruff to start coming out in the living room. This process can take some time though but eventually Scruff will likely start interacting more with your dog and not hide. If the hiding does not improve, have Scruff evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment to ensure that she is not painful or in discomfort or not feeling well which can certainly explain that behavior as well. Good luck!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Elva Ma DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 27th, 2017

    Hello, and thank you for your question. It sounds like Scruff is quite a timid kitten. It is a stressful time for kitens to move to a new home, so it can take some cats more time than others to adjust. It's promising that she will play with you if you are in the bedroom with her. I would spend more time in there, and get her more comfortable with you, giving her plenty of treats and affection and playtime. Eventually, you can try to gradually move these play sessions closer to the living room. With enough positive reinforcement via treats and playtime, and even brushing (some cats love it, others not so much), she will gradually become more comfortable with her surroundings and explore the rest of the house. I would also suggest looking into a product called Feliway, which is a natural feline pheromone designed to help reduce stress in cats. I hope this helps, and that Scruff starts getting more comfortable soon!

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Is my pet's occasional sneezing and eye crust a URI symptom?
Is your pet Barry occasionally sneezing or showing eye crust? A trusted vet offers insights on common respiratory concerns and when to seek professional advice.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored