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Joey

My cat Luna has been hiding almost all morning and afternoon through 8am to 3pm and only comes out when I get her treats. She been eating all of her food and she usually drinks A LOT of water but today she didn't drink as much. I'm confused and worried

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Luna
Cat, Unknown
5 years 9 months, Female
Issue details
Main concern
Behavior, 
Others, 
Hiding more often, not drinking as much as usual, 
Daily
Duration
7 day(s)
Other issues
Obesity
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Dr. Thompson
Dr.Tail Vet

It's completely understandable to be concerned when you notice sudden changes in your cat's behavior. Luna's hiding and reduced water intake could be indicative of stress, illness, or discomfort. Let's explore a few potential reasons for her behavior:

Firstly, cats can become stressed or anxious due to changes in their environment, even if those changes seem minor to us. Loud noises, new furniture, or alterations in your routine can all contribute to stress.

Secondly, it's possible that Luna is not feeling well. Cats often hide when they are ill or in pain. Even if she is eating normally, she might be experiencing discomfort that isn't immediately obvious.

Additionally, Luna's obesity could be a factor. Obesity can lead to other health issues, such as arthritis, which can make movement painful and reduce her desire to drink water.

For home care, here are a few steps you can take:

Creating a safe and quiet space for Luna can help reduce her stress levels. Ensure she has a comfortable area where she feels secure.

Monitor her water intake closely. Offering fresh water more frequently or adding a bit of water to her food can help keep her hydrated.

Engage her in gentle, interactive play to encourage movement and reduce stress. This can also aid in managing her obesity.

Keep an eye out for other symptoms, such as changes in her litter box habits, coughing, sneezing, or unusual lethargy.

If Luna's behavior persists or you notice any additional concerning symptoms, it would be wise to have her checked by a veterinarian. They can perform a thorough examination and possibly run some tests to ensure everything is okay.

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Thank you.

Joey

Thank you! The other day, my neighbor was getting her fence redone, and it was so loud that it even shook the house, so that could also be the reason

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Dr. Thompson

It makes perfect sense that loud noises and vibrations from construction work could cause Luna to feel anxious and seek out a safe hiding spot. Cats are highly sensitive to their surroundings, and such disturbances can significantly impact their behavior.

If the construction noise continues, try to minimize its impact by closing windows and doors, and perhaps playing soft, calming music to mask the noise.

Keep an eye on her behavior and water intake. If she doesn't return to her normal self within a few days, or if you notice any other concerning symptoms, it would be wise to take her to a vet.

Joey

Today, she was a lot better and drank tons of water! Back to her normal self! Thank you!

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Dr. Thompson

I'm glad to hear that Luna has settled back into her routine and that the construction noise was the likely cause of her stress.

If you have any more questions or concerns about Luna or any other pet-related issues, please don't hesitate to reach out.

I sincerely hope you and Luna are well.