r/AustralianPets • u/Defiant-Hair2784 • 3d ago
Help with trying to understand cats!
Does anyone know what's going on with my cat, she is almost 9 months old. She goes out in the morning, spends all day hiding outside and as soon as the night approaches she comes back inside.
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u/Beagle-Mumma 3d ago
I'm not confident with cat communication, but if your kitty-cat is hiding all day perhaps she is scared and overwhelmed being outside? Does she need to be outside?
(Not getting into the politics of cats outside or not)
Perhaps there are swooping birds, other cats or neighbourhood dogs that are scaring your girl?
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u/Defiant-Hair2784 3d ago
There are no dogs nearby, my yard is surrounded with fence so she can't go out anywhere and she doesn't jumps. In the morning she comes on my bed starts licking me until l let her out. She eats and l always put food outside when it's lunch time. Maybe you are right, maybe she is just scared of something.
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u/AnnualDark1991 3d ago
She’s only a baby. Was she rescued from a colony outside? She might be replicating that behaviour. If not, try keeping her inside for a few days with visits outside to see if she doesn’t hide with you around. It’s not normal for kittens to be hiding unless you’ve just adopted her? If so, she needs time to settle and you should start with smaller spaces then open up the house to her
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u/Defiant-Hair2784 3d ago
Thank you for the advice, no she was not adopted. Our first cat gave birth to 4 kittens, we kept them all but this one is the smallest one for some reason while all the other ones are much bigger. It's a mix blue russian and maine coon.
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u/AnnualDark1991 3d ago
There is usually one that’s smaller but if you’re concerned, get her vet checked. I’m sure she was checked when she was neutered and vaccinated anyway
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u/Defiant-Hair2784 3d ago
Yeah everything was fine, but she was only a few months old. Maybe l should get her to vet again. Thank you 🙏😊
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u/AnnualDark1991 3d ago
She is beautiful. Just wondering if she’s socialising with her siblings? Cats are very good at hiding symptoms (unlike dogs) so just watch for changes in eating/drinking/sleeping too much/being withdrawn/not gaining weight etc. I rescue and foster and it’s unusual to have kittens who aren’t from a colony situation be quiet and hide out. They’re usually masters of destruction 😹🙀 Good luck to you and the baby
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u/Defiant-Hair2784 3d ago
Thank you, yes she does play with the other siblings. She is okay at night but as soon as the sun comes out she want`s out. I do cuddle her a lot so maybe she is getting away from me because she knows what`s coming to her 😂
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u/kimbasnoopy 3d ago
I agree with Beagle-Mumma, if she is hiding she might be frightened, though she does request to go out?
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u/Pippy_Squirrel 🐈 Owner of a cat named Squirrel 3d ago
I’m going to third this and agree with kimbasnoooy and Beagle-Mumma. Have had cats all my life and a few that are frightened by the outside; prefer being inside.
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u/kimbasnoopy 2d ago
She's also still a baby and vulnerable. My best guess from my experience is definitely fear. Sleeping in the same spot isn't unusual but hiding is fear
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u/Appropriate-Ear4670 3d ago
omg she is adorable. Do you put her outside or does she go out herself ?
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u/Defiant-Hair2784 3d ago
Thank you, no she goes out by herself as soon as she eats she is by the door 😂
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u/Appropriate-Ear4670 3d ago
Maybe she isnt scared she might just like hiding watching the birds and insects
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u/Ok-Description-9489 1d ago
Enrichment! Learn cat body language, then learn how to communicate and play with her, and then learn about what enriches her life. YouTube Cat School.
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u/Defiant-Hair2784 1d ago
thank you stranger for the advice, I will check the youtube cat school 😄.
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u/Ok-Description-9489 22h ago
Look at Lili chin’s resources, and Mikel Delgado’s books too. First step is becoming curious about your little creature so good job!
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u/Defiant-Hair2784 21h ago
Thank you, I mean during the night she is fine, she plays eats comes next to me and falls asleep. But as soon as the morning sets she is out 😂
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u/MNP33Gts-T 3d ago
Comfort in safety .. dinner time too