WITHDRAWAL OR HIDING MORE THAN USUAL
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Hiding or withdrawal is one of the most common early signs of pain, fear, illness, or cognitive decline—especially in cats.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Temporary stress
• Loud environment
MEDICAL
• Pain
• GI disease
• Kidney disease
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Hyperthyroidism
• Anxiety or fear
EMERGENCY
• Hiding + vomiting
• Hiding + difficulty breathing
• Hiding + inability to walk
RED FLAGS
• Complete withdrawal
• Hiding for >24 hours in cats
• Hiding + no eating
If you’re unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE
• Quiet environment
• Easy access to food and water
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Pain mapping
• Senior bloodwork
• Thyroid panel
• Abdominal palpation
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Pain
• Kidney disease
• GI disease
• Cognitive decline