Key takeaways
There are some common places where cats hide inside the house that owners should be aware of. These include in the walls of the house, inside furniture, and in warm places like household appliances. We offer our expert tips on how to search your house thoroughly.
Once you have found your kitty, they may continue to hide. It's important you lure them out of hiding so you can check on their wellbeing. After all, they may be hiding because they are sick or injured.
Tapping into your kitty's sense of smell will help get them out of hiding. Alongside this, you need to make sure they are entering a calm environment and will feel safe.
This article will help you when you can't find your cat anywhere in the house. With our top tips, expert insights, and personal experience, you'll find your kitty in no time.
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Top 3 cat hiding places indoors
1. In the walls
1.
Check the whole house for holes that could lead to the inside of the walls. These are usually low to the ground, near appliances, and in utility rooms or bathrooms.
2.
Go through the house, gently knocking on the walls and calling your kitty's name. Listen for quiet scratching or meows in response.
3.
If you locate your cat, go back to the entrance point you found. Continue calling their name, shaking a food bag, and leaving treats at the entrance. This should help guide them back for a safe escape.
"Our curious kitties will seek out any opportunity for an adventure. And, if you have an indoor furry friend, they'll be excited to expand their territory beyond the four walls (or just inside them)."
2. In furniture
1.
Move bookshelves and cabinets away from walls: This will help make sure your kitty isn't trapped between any heavy furniture and your walls. It will also reassure you that they definitely aren't underneath any.
2.
Take all pillows, cushions, and seat cushions off couches and move them: It's dark and often cluttered under couches, making it impossible to be sure your cat isn't snoozing under there. By taking the pillows and cushions off, you can double-check they aren't in any crevices, and it'll make the sofa easier to move so you can see the underneath fully.
3.
Open up doors to drawers, cupboards, and wardrobes: Even if you swear your kitty couldn't have found their way into a drawer, it's likely they could have snuck in at an opportune moment and then been accidentally trapped when you closed the doors again.
4.
Empty cupboards, drawers, and wardrobes: If you've opened up the doors but haven't found your kitty taking a peaceful nap, you'll need to empty the contents of your drawers, closet, cupboards, and wardrobes. It sounds like a lot of mess and effort, but it's worth it.
3. In warm places
1.
In and around appliances: Electrical appliances give out a lot of warmth but can also be dangerous for your kitty. Check on top and behind of fridges, washers, dryers, and other electrical appliances in your house.
2.
In beds and duvets: We once found our old cat fast asleep in a pillowcase, underneath the actual pillow inside. Plenty of warmth and minimal disruptions meant she was very happy! Be sure to strip all the beds gently, of course, and don't forget to check your laundry baskets.
3.
Windowsills: If you have picture frames, plants, and various knick-knacks on your windowsills, it can be tricky to spot a sleeping cat. The sun, the high position, and the views of the outside mean these places are perfect for your kitty. Remove all the objects from each windowsill to double-check that you haven't missed your kitty.
3 Steps to lure your cat out of hiding
1. Cat food
2. Stay with them
3. Keep the house calm
FAQs
Why do cats disappear in the house?
Cats are likely to disappear in the house because they are explorers. They will know every nook and cranny in your home and some great hiding spots for a peaceful sleep.
Should I be worried if I can't find my cat?
If you can't find your cat, start searching for them immediately. You don't have to be worried. You just need to be proactive.
How long can a cat hide in the house?
A cat can hide in the house for a long time. However, it's usually between 24-48 hours. At this point, they will need to eat and drink and will most likely come out of hiding to do so.
Will my hiding cat eventually come out?
Most cats do eventually come out from hiding. However, if your cat isn't budging, it's important you take action so you can check up on their wellbeing.
What will make a cat come out of hiding?
The temptation of food, treats, and water can make a cat come out of hiding. This, alongside keeping the house quiet and calm, is usually very effective.
How long do cats usually go missing for?
Cats can go missing for a very long time. It can range from 24 hours to weeks, months, and in some cases, even years. It depends on the situation and why your cat has gone missing in the first place.
Is it common for cats to go missing?
12-18% of cats will go missing within a five-year period (source). This means it is quite common for your kitty to go missing. However, usually they are only gone for 12-48 hours.
Final thoughts
Written by
In this blog, I combine my two areas of expertise: pets and writing. I share my personal experiences alongside plenty of animal behavior research to help owners look after their pets. I have always lived with furry friends and am now a loving cat mum to two orange kitties.
