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Why is my sweet kitten suddenly hiding, scared, and acting feral?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 13 days old | 1.1 lbs

So I work at a shelter and I took this young kitten home from the isolation room because she was all alone and she was so so lovey and sweet and cuddly. The first week was great she was always out playing with me and my other fosters. Now this week though, out of nowhere, she has started to behave as though she is feral; hiding under the couch, running from me and acting terrified of me even when I just try to play with her or feed her. Why is this? How do I fix it? She's about 9 to 12 weeks old

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Megan, DVM, CVA

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on November 2nd, 2017

Poor girl! There could be something that has spooked her. Or she could be not feeling well. Or there could even be an internal conflict with another cat in the household. The first thing I would do is make sure she is healthy. I would see if your vet can look at her and make sure she isn’t painful, no infection, no fever, no urinary tract infection, etc. if she isn’t feeling well, this definitely can cause a change in behavior. If everything is normal then I would make sure she is getting along with everyone in the house. Make sure there are plenty of litter boxes as this is something they commonly will become territorial over. You can even put out some feliway diffusers which are pheromones they help calm down cats. Unfortunately these don’t work on everyone. You make also look into vetriscience composure treats as a natural calming supplement. I hope this helps!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Mara Howard, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 26th, 2017

    When cats begin acting abnormally, there can either be a medical or behavioral cause. I would recommend having Kia evaluated by her regular veterinarian to see if there is an underlying medical issue contributing to her behavior (pain, illness, etc.). If there is no found medical cause, then a discussion with her veterinarian about what steps can be taken for behavioral modification would be warranted.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 9th, 2017

    Hello, this is a vague sing that she does not feel well. There are many of causes for not feeling well and hiding. Since she is otherwise eating, I would make sure there is nothing in her environment that could be stressing her such as a new pet, new furniture, new outside cats. If none, and if this behavior persists, then she should be evaluated by a veterinarian today. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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