Why is my cat hiding after cancer meds? Is this normal behavior?

I'm sorry that Tilly is acting this way. I suspect she is having some "normal" reaction to the vaccine, in that she is a bit sore and tired, and stressed from yesterday's ordeal. Give her some space and time. Make sure she has food and water closeby and a box or another comfy place she can "hide." She will probably come around to her old self in the next couple of days. If her appetite continues to be poor or if she isn't more energetic within 24-36 hours, though, please call your vet to discuss. It may be warranted to get her back in for an exam and make sure everything is ok. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Stress can cause cats to hide or act abnormally. For example if you had house guests or got a new pet this could stress your cat out. However medical issues can also cause cats to hide. Cats may hide if they are feeling bad. I would keep a very close eye on your cats appetite, water intake, BMs, and urine if your cat is hiding. If you notice anything that is not normal I would take your cat in for a thorough exam and some basic bloodwork. Older cats can be prone to things like diabetes, renal disease, and hyperthyriodism. These can be fairly well managed with meds once daignosed. If your cat is a male, keep a very close eye on the litter box and be sure he is urinating ok. Male cats can get thier urethra blocked and become unable to urinate. This is an emergency and can be fatal very quickly if left untreated. If it turns out to be just stress I reccomend trying a product called Feliway. Feliway mimcks the phermone produced by mother cats and has a calming effect on cats. Feliway should be available over the counter at your local vet. hope this helps

I'm really sorry to hear about poor Tierra. Cats that feel bad prefer to hide and keep to themselves, so it would actually be better to let her stay where she wants to stay. It will be fine for you to sit next to her, but she may not want to be touched - you will be the best judge of that. She may even come out at some point of if she feels well enough. I hope that helps and Tierra feels better soon.

Your cat is most likely reacting to the "trauma" of going to the veterinarian, rather than the vaccinations. This is not an uncommon reaction for some cats. She may be shy or skittish around you for a day or two post-vet trip but should start to calm down if you leave her alone and give her space to recover on her own. (Some cats do take a little longer.) As long as she is still eating, drinking, and using the litter box appropriately (both urine and feces), then she should be fine in time. However, if she stops eating or drinking or using the litter box, you need to contact your veterinarian.

Cats may hide if scared or not feeling well. Try to determine is anything has changed around the house that may have spooked her. Any new people or pets, a move, or sudden change in schedule. If you can't think of anything then monitor health closely. Eating, drinking and litter box habits. Notice any vomiting or diarrhea. And if she is acting ill take her in for a vet visit.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your new cat. I suspect that she hides as she is still adjusting to life in your home. Indoor cats are fairly sedentary anyways and will spent a portion of their day sleeping. They tend to be more active in the evenings or nights by nature. She is potentially still a little sore from her surgery as well. It sounds like is adjusting well to living with you. Just be patient with her. I hope this information helps!

Sudden behavioral changes can sometimes indicate an issue such as pain or illness. If Mel has been hiding she may be feeling stressed or unwell. Scheduling a vet check up if the behavior continues is a good next step. Be sure to also take note if you see any other changes such as decreased appetite, lethargy, vomiting, etc which can help your vet figure out what may be happening.