My cat has been sitting in the closet for days only comes out to eat fast and then goes right back in

Why Your Cat Hides & Eats Fast? Scared or Anxious Signs Explained

My cat has suddenly taken to living on the back of the couch. She doesn’t leave to eat. She will eat if I pick her up and carry her to her food. Then, it like she’s paranoid. She wolfs down wet food & treats - some water, but suddenly will take off r

I would recommend taking Lilly to the veterinarian to have her looked at. Sometimes when cats are not feeling well they start acting differently. Your veterinarian can evaluate Lilly to see if there is something underlying medically causing this issue. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

I have looked up signs of schizophrenia in cats and mine seems to exhibit these behaviors. I do not have money to get him evaluated, but what are some ways I can cope with it if that is indeed the case?

When we have a change in behavior, we have to ask is it only behavior, or is there a medical reason. A trip to your veterinarian for an exam and possible lab work would help to make sure there are no other concerns. If it is determined to be a behavior problem, I would start with a pheromone such as Feliway that can help with anxiety. It is available as a plug-in room diffuser for large areas, and as a spray for small areas like a mat or bed. https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=8906 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=37241 Another product I like is Composure, which is available as a little treat. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetri-science-composure-feline-bite-sized-chews If these do not help, you might consider discussing prescription medication for anxiety with your veterinarian. Thanks for using Boop by Petco.

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

So I work at a shelter and I took this young kitten home from the isolation room because she was all alone and she was so so lovey and sweet and cuddly. The first week was great she was always out playing with me and my other fosters. Now this week t

Poor girl! There could be something that has spooked her. Or she could be not feeling well. Or there could even be an internal conflict with another cat in the household. The first thing I would do is make sure she is healthy. I would see if your vet can look at her and make sure she isn’t painful, no infection, no fever, no urinary tract infection, etc. if she isn’t feeling well, this definitely can cause a change in behavior. If everything is normal then I would make sure she is getting along with everyone in the house. Make sure there are plenty of litter boxes as this is something they commonly will become territorial over. You can even put out some feliway diffusers which are pheromones they help calm down cats. Unfortunately these don’t work on everyone. You make also look into vetriscience composure treats as a natural calming supplement. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

Hello, So I have been noticing over the past 4 weeks that my Male cat has displaying substantially different behaviors/mood that cycles between day and night. I would even go so far as to relate the extremity as Jekyll and Hyde. During the day, he

I am sorry to hear about your kitty! I wonder if something is making him anxious in the evening, such as some noises outside, perhaps a cat in the neighborhood roaming outside, a person in the household who is only around in the evening, etc. I would consider getting a Feliway diffuser (a plug-in product that produces pheremones that calm cats) and starting a calming supplement such as Zylkene or Composure. These products can all be purchased online or in some vet clinics. If you are seeing no improvement with these products I would recommend a trip to his vet to ensure there are no medical issues.

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

My cat has severe anxiety. She was abused by little girls as a kitten and I got her from the abusive home when she was 8 weeks, she acted feral but I always remained calm even with her aggression and she eventually lightened up to me. She still (2 ye

This takes lots of time and patience to improve. You can try a Feliway pheromone spray or diffuser. That often relaxes cats and reduces their anxiety. If she enjoys grooming brush her for a short time each day. Usually then they will start coming out to get groomed and be with you. The loud noises are hard and there is not much to be done other than act calmly like you are doing. I never force a cat to come out or do do things that make them anxious as this will only worsen the problem. Make sure she has a quiet, private 'safe' place to go. With time she should improve, it's hard to get over bad kitten experiences. Thanks for using Boop by Petco to help you care for Princess.

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

My cat is painfully shy and hides almost all day. How do I get him out of his shell?

Just like people, some cats are quite introverted and it can take a fair amount of effort to get them out of their shells. For many of these cats, their “shyness” is actually a sign of stress and anxiety, which is often fear-related. Try to find something your cat enjoys – a special treat, ear scratches, playing with the laser pointer – and encourage your cat to approach you. Do not force any interaction, as this often makes stress and anxiety worse. It may take a bit of patience and time. Calming pheromones, such as the Comfort Zone® Calming Diffuser, can help to minimize some cats’ stress, as can anti-anxiety medication prescribed by your veterinarian. If these strategies are not successful, it may be best to consult a [veterinary behaviorist](www.dacvb.org) for further advice.

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

Hello, we moved yesterday to a new house and our cat is very frightened. Now she has hidden behind a couch. She is not eating nor drinking water. We are worried. Is this a normal behaviour in a cat? Thanks

From Gati's point of view moving house is a very scary experience. Cats are very sensitive to stress. Let her hide where she wants and I would suggest putting her things in that room so she feels safe. Make it easy for her to access food water and litter in this room. Give her some space and time and she will become more comfortable and gradually explore the house. You can get diffusers for cats that release pheromones they can help.

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

why is my cat hiding in that closet she is doing her normal routine

Many cats like to hide in the closet, usually to sleep there, as long as she is otherwise eating normally and behaving normally it is not considered to be a problem. if this is new and she is hiding in the closet all day then she is probably hiding a health condition and you should take her to the vet ASAP in order to get it checked.

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Hi. I have 3 cats. One I introduced 2 years after getting the first 2. The 3rd has become very withdrawn and acting aggressively, one of my older ones chases her and seemingly plays but she reacts very aggressively with hissing and retires to a hidde

Sudden aggression and behavior changes in cats can sometimes indicate pain or underlying illness. I would make sure to schedule a vet checkup to rule out any health issues that could be causing the behavior. If she checks out healthy, making sure all of the cats have their own access to food, water, litter, bedding, places to hide, etc can help decrease inter-cat tension. Spending some time with each, and giving your cat a break if she becomes too irritated or agitated may help as well. If the behavior persists or worsens, speaking with a trainer or behaviorist in person is a good next step as well.

Updated on September 24th, 2025

Health & Wellbeing

I had a birthday party at my house on Friday and my cat has been hiding since then he won't even come out to eat or use litter , could he be traumatized from the loud music?

There's a good chance that Benjamin was scared by the noise and people that he isn't used to having around. I would place his litter box, food and water very near to where he is hiding and keep the area quiet so he will come back out. A special type of canned food or treat may help coax him out. You may want to get a Feliway diffuser to help reduce his anxiety. If he doesn't come back out within 24 hours I'd be a little more concerned that he may be sick as cats will often hide if they don't feel well. Also, if he doesn't come out to eat or drink soon I'd start to get worried about dehydration. Thanks for using Boop by Petco and I hope Benjamin calms soon and comes out quickly!

Updated on September 24th, 2025

My cat hides in the closet and eats fast. Is she scared or anxious?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Answers from Veterinarians

My cat hides in the closet and eats fast. Is she scared or anxious?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Related Questions

My cat has suddenly taken to living on the back of the couch. She doesn’t leave to eat. She will eat if I pick her up and carry her to her food. Then, it like she’s paranoid. She wolfs down wet food & treats - some water, but suddenly will take off r

I have looked up signs of schizophrenia in cats and mine seems to exhibit these behaviors. I do not have money to get him evaluated, but what are some ways I can cope with it if that is indeed the case?

So I work at a shelter and I took this young kitten home from the isolation room because she was all alone and she was so so lovey and sweet and cuddly. The first week was great she was always out playing with me and my other fosters. Now this week t

Hello, So I have been noticing over the past 4 weeks that my Male cat has displaying substantially different behaviors/mood that cycles between day and night. I would even go so far as to relate the extremity as Jekyll and Hyde. During the day, he

My cat has severe anxiety. She was abused by little girls as a kitten and I got her from the abusive home when she was 8 weeks, she acted feral but I always remained calm even with her aggression and she eventually lightened up to me. She still (2 ye

My cat is painfully shy and hides almost all day. How do I get him out of his shell?

Hello, we moved yesterday to a new house and our cat is very frightened. Now she has hidden behind a couch. She is not eating nor drinking water. We are worried. Is this a normal behaviour in a cat? Thanks

why is my cat hiding in that closet she is doing her normal routine

Hi. I have 3 cats. One I introduced 2 years after getting the first 2. The 3rd has become very withdrawn and acting aggressively, one of my older ones chases her and seemingly plays but she reacts very aggressively with hissing and retires to a hidde

I had a birthday party at my house on Friday and my cat has been hiding since then he won't even come out to eat or use litter , could he be traumatized from the loud music?

Related Searches

Share