On the Hunt for Your Furry Friend
Cats are notorious troublemakers. From stepping on our laps to screaming for food, cat owners haven’t known a moment’s peace (and we wouldn’t have it any other way)! To top it off, our best friends can also squirrel themselves into pretty dangerous spots—let’s explore common hiding areas and how you can find them.
1. Laundry Baskets
Many cats love warm, dry places—and it’s even better if the whole place smells like their owner. Naturally, the laundry basket is a prime target for curious cats in need of a good lounge spot. Don’t be surprised to see a tiny face peering up at you when it comes time to fold.
2. Behind or Under Furniture
Under the sofa. Behind the TV stand. Somewhere in a bookshelf. Mischievous cats tuck themselves all sorts of places, but furniture is a popular space. For the most part, hiding under furniture isn’t dangerous unless it’s something like a recliner or your bed.
3. Inside Drawers
If the laundry basket’s off limits, cats find the next best spot: drawers. Unless you keep those babies locked tight, your feline friend will likely scoot inside a drawer to curl up on your unmentionables.
4. Cardboard Boxes
They say children love cardboard boxes, and while that may be true, cats are a strong contender for frequent visitors. While it’s mostly harmless, moving with a cat can prove more stressful than everyday shenanigans. Keep an eye out during certain life events, otherwise, leave them to their fort.
5. Your Closet
Closets have everything a cat needs: your scent, darkness, and ultimate comfort. If you can’t find Fluffy behind the accent chair, make sure you pop your head among the hangers. Don’t be too shocked to find your furry friend there.
6. Behind the Curtains
While not the best hiding place, cats gravitate towards window dressings. They’ll often dart behind drapes or blinds, and the shower curtain is also up for grabs. Check these common areas if your buddy goes missing!
7. Inside Dryers
As one of the more dangerous hiding spots, it’s important to keep your eyes peeled around appliances. As we know, cats love warm, dry places and there’s none better than the warmest and driest place of all.
8. Bathroom Sinks
On the flip side, some cats lounge around in bathroom sinks for a comfortable, cool place. Not only is it shaped like a box, but it’s also higher up and gives them a great place to take their ninth nap. However, cool hiding spots could also signal illness, so keep an eye out for symptoms or signs of injury.
9. Basements
Basements offer a lot of perks—it’s dark, has a bunch of places to hide, and is a nice, cool spot until they’re found. This makes it harder for pet owners to find them, but it’s a good spot to hunt if your cat goes missing.
10. The Dishwasher
The dryer isn’t the only dangerous appliance cats frequent. The dishwasher is just as compact and can also provide enough warmth to entice them. Some love to sneak in between loads, so make sure you double-check the racks before popping in those plates.
With our mischievous friends always on the loose, let’s explore a few simple ways to coax them out of hiding and deter them from revisiting.
1. Remain Calm
First and foremost, remain calm. Cats, especially newly adopted ones, love to explore while they adjust to new surroundings. Keep a level head and go through common areas before recruiting the neighborhood for help.
2. Search Every Nook and Cranny
Cats can slink away almost anywhere—even spots you wouldn’t think to look. If you’ve gone through every spot above and still can’t find them, look in less common areas like inside the sofa, listen to the walls, and check vents. Some cats also manage to get trapped in boxes, blanket folds, or reusable bags. As crazy as it sounds, don’t rule anything out.
3. Call Out to Them
If your cat stumbled into a problem area, call out to them and listen for meowing. Our little friends don’t like being trapped anymore than we do, and they’ll help us find them. You can also better your hearing by unplugging nearby electronics for less white noise.
4. Lure Them with Snacks
Give that snack box a shake. Open a can of tuna at the table. Plenty of naughty cats can’t resist the temptation, if you will, and will come running when food’s around. Even shier cats may come out of hiding.
5. Grab Their Toys
If food won’t do it, you can also grab their favorite toys. The noisier the better, especially if it’s one your furry friend often plays with. If they’re too nervous to approach, you can also leave their toy in view and just be patient.
6. Listen for Movement
When you can squeeze yourself into any nook and cranny, you’ll naturally find yourself in dangerous spots—though it sounds strange, some cats have wound up in walls or vents. Listen for any meowing, scratching, or slight movement. You might be surprised where you find them!
7. Fetch a Flashlight
Oh, you thought finding a cat was hard? Try a black cat…at night…in a commonly dark area. Don’t rule out popular hiding spots, even if you’ve already looked. The only way to ensure a thorough check is to grab a flashlight and wait for two eyes in the darkness.
8. Block Problem Areas
If your fuzzy friend hasn’t learned their lesson, it might be time to block off certain areas. Secure larger furniture to the wall, ensure windows and smaller appliances are closed, and don’t leave bags unattended.
9. Give Them Time
Not every cat discovered the attic or broke loose from the balcony—some just need a little time to adjust. Kittens and adopted cats often hide because they’re nervous, so chasing them around the house won’t encourage any familiarity. Sometimes it’s best to let them get accustomed.
10. Recognize Additional Symptoms
Though hiding on its own isn’t necessarily a problem, it’s worrisome with symptoms. Look out for difficulty walking, vomiting, or a lack of appetite. Additional signs warrant a trip to the vet.
