My cat has been hiding under the bed for the past few days and won't come out except to eat late at night. She used to be really social. What's going on?

When a normally social cat suddenly starts hiding, it's natural to feel worried. Cats are creatures of habit, and a 3-year-old Domestic Shorthair who was previously outgoing wouldn't typically retreat without a reason.

Hiding is one of the most common ways cats respond to stress or discomfort. Think about whether anything in her environment has changed recently — new people or pets in the home, rearranged furniture, construction noise, or even a new air freshener can unsettle a sensitive cat. Cats also sometimes hide when they're not feeling physically well, as it's an instinctive behavior to protect themselves when vulnerable.

A few things you can do to help: make sure she has a quiet, safe space with her essentials nearby (food, water, litter box). Try sitting near her hiding spot and speaking softly without trying to force her out. Interactive toys or treats placed just outside her hiding area might encourage her to venture out on her own terms. Feliway diffusers, which release calming synthetic pheromones, are another option some pet owners find helpful.

Monitor whether she's eating, drinking, and using the litter box normally. These are important indicators of her overall well-being.

When to see your vet: If the hiding persists for more than a few days, if she stops eating or drinking, if you notice changes in her litter box habits, or if she seems painful when touched or is vocalizing unusually, a veterinary check-up is in order. Sudden behavioral changes can sometimes point to an underlying health issue that's best caught early.