Locked Up: Blue Is Accidentally Forced Into Hiding

Hi, I’m Amanda! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Blue, my fluffy fire point Himalayan-Persian cat.

Once upon a time, if I needed to find Blue in a pinch somewhere in my home, I probably would have had to check quite a few spots. She is a creature of habit, so her hangouts are pretty well known. However, there are a ton of options. Lately, though, it seems her cherished nooks are becoming fewer and fewer, with one in particular reigning supreme more than any of the others.

We have a spare room that gets zero foot traffic, unless we’re coming to switch out a jacket to match the temperamental forecast. Generally, this place is quiet, gets a full day's worth of indirect sunlight, and comes with a set of neat and comfy places for Blue to curl up. Under the bed for days when cooling off is the priority, on top of the bed for maximum back support, and in the bottom of the closet if she wishes to be out of sight. A real Goldilocks experience. If the closet is cracked and she’s able to wiggle her way in, she opts for the bottom cubby of the built-in organizer that’s lined with spare blankets. Safe to say those can’t be used without a proper wash and hair removal treatment first.

Secret Spot

The first few times I stumbled upon Blue here, I’d accidentally spook her awake as if to catch her in some wrong doing or like I’d walked in on her changing, and she’d peer up and give me one of her burrrrr-OW’s (it’s important to roll your tongue there to mimic the exact sound). I now leave the closet door open so when she’s interested in true peace and quiet, she can have it.

There is a risk that comes with sleeping here, though. A few months ago, we installed one of those basketball nets you can slide onto the back of an interior door. It was hung on our guest bathroom door, adjacent to the spare room. Each door is slammed shut when it's game time, inevitably locking Blue inside, which I honestly don’t think she minds unless it’s past her dinner time or she’s stirring for a bathroom break.

Solitary Confinement

On a few occasions, we’ve noticed Blue’s been MIA for much longer and doesn’t respond to the barrage of cat calls we perform in the attempt to coax her out of her sleep or comfy spot. It’s evident that her hiding has become a little involuntary. The funny thing though is that she’ll always take the gamble. This is her flavour of the week (month, actually), and chancing a few hours alone in her premium kitty shelf is more important than her potentially being locked up. Is it still prison if you willingly choose it?

Blue likes being around us hooligans most days, so our ears perk up when she’s not around. Luckily, this means Blue is never trapped for long.

Do your cats change up their hiding places and have any been trapped because of it? We want to hear your stories!