How To Stop a Cat from Going Under the Bed – Helpful Tips

It’s a scene we all know. You get a package, and the delivery person rings the doorbell. Your cats scatter across the house like their lives depend on it. Your cat has just run under the bed, no doubt. And it’s impossible to get him out for the rest of the day. This needs to stop! Stopping cats from going under the bed is a tricky, but a solvable issue. This is how to stop a cat from going under the bed. 

The best way to stop your cat from going under the bed is to block their path. Using an underbed blocker, scat mat, books, or boxes helps. Reducing anxiety and fearful situations can help your cat feel safe and stop them from going under the bed. 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a single easy solution to a cat that likes to hide under the bed. It isn’t like you can sit your cat down and tell them why they shouldn’t go under the bed. And once they get under the bed, sometimes it feels like absolutely nothing will get them out (especially when they’re in the center of your king-sized bed and can’t reach!). Let’s talk about some tips for stopping a cat from going under the bed or some potential dangers that could arise for a cat that does go under the bed. 

How Do I Stop My Cat from Going Under My Bed

It is a good idea to stop your cat from going under the bed, which is often easily done by redirecting their attention. 

Chances are, if your cat gets spooked, you won’t be able to catch them unless you want to get sliced up by their nails. Once they’re under the bed, it’s nearly impossible to get them out unless they want to come out. 

Here are some tips for stopping your cat from going under the bed: 

• Make a space in your house where your cat can feel safe too.
• Add storage under your bed, so there is less room for your cat.
• Remove things that might cause anxiety around the house, especially if you know your cat is afraid of it.
• Buy a bed frame that doesn’t have space beneath it.
• Buy a product designed to block the area beneath the bed. 

Why Does My Cat Hide Under the Bed

Your cat is probably hiding under the bed because it is scared of something that happened. 

Sure, sometimes your cat is just exploring and crawls under your bed, but if you notice that your cat is gone for a few hours at a time, it’s probably because something scared them.

The space beneath your bed is like a safe place for your cat. It is dark, which makes your cat feel hidden. Sometimes it’s so dark under your bed that you can’t even tell if they’re even under there! Your cat feels safe being hidden from sight, which means they may have time to work their courage back up. 

The fear that drove your cat under the bed is going to be short-lived more times than not, but keep in mind that your cat ran under there because he thinks it’s the safest place for him to be.

Should I Let My Cat Hide Under the Bed

You shouldn’t let your cat hide under your bed.

If your cat bolts out of the living room every now and then when the doorbell rings and hides under the bed, it’s probably not a big deal. If you notice that your cat spends a lot of time under there, you might want to start to prevent your cat from staying under there. You don’t want your cat to become too timid, after all.

Even if there isn’t much under your bed, there are still some things that can pose a risk to your cat:

• Metal bed legs could scratch your cat and cut their skin
• Depending on the kind of bed you have, your cat may rip into the mattress or box spring
• If your bed isn’t high off the ground, your cat may squeeze under and not get back out
• If your cat does come back out, they may be covered in dust or, worse, spiders

How Long Will A New Cat Hide Under the Bed

How long a new cat will hide under the bed is up to the cat’s personality and temper, but you can expect a new cat to hide under the bed anywhere from a few days to two or three weeks.

So you’ve picked a new, beautiful cat and bring him home. And he’s immediately gone. After searching your house, you spot glowing yellow eyes from under your bed, just out of reach. How long will he stay under there?

A new cat might hide under the bed for a day or two and explore your house at night or during the day when no one is home. Once he’s comfortable, he’ll become part of the family. More timid cats, especially those who might have been at a shelter for a long time, might stay under the bed for a week or two. 

No matter how long your cat hides, don’t give up! Remember: you probably wouldn’t like it if you were suddenly in a new environment with strangers either!

Where Can I Let My Cat Hide Instead

If you think your cat might need a space to escape to, there are other options in your home for your cat.

• If your cat does prefer to hide sometimes, open a closet door that you know doesn’t have anything dangerous. They can sneak in there.
• Purchase a cat house that your cat can run into.
• Use a cage with a blanket thrown over it to create a feeling of safety.
• If you don’t want your cat to be so scared that they hide, think about medication to ease their anxiety. Talk to your vet about that. 

The bed isn’t the only option for your cat. You might need to get a little creative with new hiding spots. Cats like areas that are very familiar to them. Try to make sure items are there that have their scent (and yours too). Hiding treats in the same area can help them associate this location with calm and comfort. 

What If My Cat Won’t Come Out From Under the Bed

If your cat does sneak under the bed, it might feel impossible to get him or her out, but you can try different things to coax your cat out.

Naturally, your cat will probably crawl to a space under the bed that you can’t reach from any angle. If you can’t seem to break your cat’s habit of going under the bed, here are some methods to get them out if they’re already under there: 

• Use a broom or long-handled object. Don’t hit your cat; wave it near them. It may make them run out.
• Open a can of cat food or shake their favorite bag of treats. Their stomach might be less scared.
• Shake a cat toy. They may come to play if they hear a toy they like. 

If your cat is terrified of something, it may be better to wait for them to come out on their own rather than waste your own time. 

No one wants their cat – new or old – to be hiding under the bed. You want your cat to be part of the family from the get-go, and hiding is no way to live. Even if your cat seems to prefer being under the bed, remember that they’re probably scared. Work slowly with your cat, and soon enough, they’ll be running the house (and maybe having you wish they stayed under the bed)!