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My newly adopted cat hides under the bed. How do I help her?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 2 years and 3 months old | 9.92 lbs

Hello, A week ago, I adopted a cat called ‘Taffy’, and I am really concerned about her behavior. Most of the time she is under the bed, but at night she could come and sit with us for a couple of minutes and then go back. She just comes out from under the bed when I come to give her food. I have been advised to prevent her from going under the bed and keep her in a reachable place. Unfortunately, I have been trying to block her way but, everytime, she manages to find her way under it. Thanks!

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on February 28th, 2021

Offer her a carboard box or a cat condo with a hiding place in it. It may entice her from under the bed. That she is coming out to sit with you is a good sign and I think, as she settles in to her new home, she will come out more and more. If you can entice her from under the bed and then limit her access to that room it may force her to seek a new hiding place of your choosing, but don't make a big deal out of it or it may make her want to hide more. Take your time and be patient, it may take some time for her to acclimate and get braver. She may be timid by nature. Move her food out of that room if it is practical to do so so that she needs to come out to eat. Even if no one is awake when she comes out to eat, it will still give her a chance to explore while everything is calm. Provide her with plenty of toys and see if she likes treats, you can use these to entice her out and reward her for getting braver. Make sure she has plenty of places to hide around the house, places to scratch and perch to look out the window. I had a very timid cat that hide for weeks when we moved but she eventually came out of her shell and ended up being even more playful and social that she had ever been before so it can be done. Good luck with your new friend!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 29th, 2017

    Poor Tina! If she lived with 59 other cats, it's likely that she wasn't socialized well at all, and probably had little human interaction. It will take time for her to adjust to her new home and become more comfortable with you. I would not force her to come out from under the bed. If she does, act calmly around around, but praise her and give her treats. If she approaches you, also praise her and give her treats. You want her to associate any interaction with you as positive, and giving something yummy will help her see that getting attention from you is a good thing. Take it slowly and at her pace, and hopefully she will adjust over time.

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