The Way of Cats

Even the most happy and secure cats will seek out hiding places. Perhaps something distressing is going on outside. Maybe a change in the routine has made them want to go off and think. Sometimes it’s simply a desire to have a spot where they can be undisturbed by the usual happenings in the house.

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Cats do “cat nap,” where they keep an ear out for changes in their environment. But for deep sleep, they might want a place where they can shut off their monitors. By lowering their sensory input, they gain serenity and can recharge their mental and physical batteries.

Mr. Bond seeks out the most out-of-the-way places he can find when he needs down time. In a small apartment, that’s not always easy. During a recent closet revamp, my desk and the bookcase behind it got blocked off by boxes. This created Mr. Bond’s latest hiding place.

The closet is getting into shape, and soon this spot will be open and no longer so appealing. Mr. Bond will then seek out another out of the way place where he can feel himself unobserved.

Sometimes, when the cat is not immediately apparent, it’s a good thing to seek them out. So we should learn their favorite hiding places. We aren’t trying to disturb them. We just want to know where they like to be at these times.

If this is a good spot for them, let them know. We can “bless the spot” by speaking quietly to them and then leaving them alone.

It’s good to know their spots.

• When noise or other distressing things are going on, we can reassure them it is nothing to worry about.
• If we have inadvertently startled the cat or stumbled over them, we know where to find them so we can apologize.
• If we suspect the cat is not feeling well, we can locate them to make sure they are getting what they need.

We are only doing it to keep tabs on them and show our care and concern. If we disturb them in their hiding spots too often, they will avoid that spot and find another. So make sure they know why we are seeing them there, and not drag them out or otherwise spoil the spot.

Shy cats have special needs for their security spots. If they are still uncertain about us, don’t go any further than discovering the room they are in. Then sit on the floor, or lie on the furniture, being non-threatening and enjoying ourselves. They will be observing. Seeing us as approachable will help with their socialization.

Different personalities have differing security needs. With RJ, it’s rare. With Puffy, it’s often. But sometimes, like Mr. Bond, it’s just trying something out. He may or may not know how long this spot will be there. But while it’s there, he’s curious about it, in his low key way.

Don’t be hurt when the cat hides. They need their solitude. Once refreshed by their little “room of their own,” they will be ready to rejoin the family.

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There’s more ways to understand our cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See all of my posts on WHY CATS DO THAT.