A Dutch study on how cats reduce stress by hiding

On the first day of moving into a new home, at night when the furniture was rearranged after a thorough cleaning, or during a long weekend with overnight guests. Cats seem to be more quietly stressed than we realize. In such moments, having just one place where they can hide away might significantly change how calm they feel. A Dutch study on shelter cats provided scientific backing for this idea.

Cats living with humans, while seemingly always calmly basking in the sun, are actually animals highly sensitive to environmental changes. A slight shift in furniture, the scent of a different detergent, a series of doorbell rings from delivery services. These are all minor events for humans, but for cats, the air density and sound reverberations make it a day unlike any other.

If your cat stays hidden behind the sofa for a long time, doesn't come out when called, or is a little less eager to eat, these signs might indicate that your cat is processing a "new environment." In such situations, no matter how much an owner reassures them, having a place where the cat can "voluntarily retreat" seems to be the quickest path to reassurance.

In a 2014 study by Dr. Vinke and colleagues at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, 19 new cats admitted to a shelter were divided into two groups: those given hiding boxes and those not. They were observed for 14 days. The Kessler and Turner Cat Stress Score, which meticulously quantifies posture, facial expressions, tail movements, and respiration, was used for evaluation. The results were clear: cats with hiding boxes had significantly lower stress scores by days 3–4 of observation. Cats without hiding boxes showed greater score fluctuations and took longer to acclimate to the environment.

This suggests that hiding, an action that might seem negative at first glance, is actually a proactive means of "self-recovery" for cats.

This research is not just about newly adopted cats. Guests, moving house, the start of a multi-cat household, the day returning from the vet, the day a pet sitter visits. Many small "new environments" frequently occur in your beloved cat's life. The Cat Cellar is an interior furniture piece inspired by a wine cellar, but its S-shaped wave structure and multiple openings naturally fulfill the role of a "hiding place." It's not a completely enclosed box; cats can clearly see outside from within. While securing their view and escape routes, their bodies are softly protected by thin cardboard walls. This design creates a place right in the middle of the living room that strikes a balance between alertness and safety.

In fact, we have received feedback from customers after purchase saying, "My new cat went right in on the first day," and "They slipped right in when guests came over."

We believe that if it's purchased as a scratching post and interior decor, and then also serves as a shelter, it's a worthwhile investment. It looks like a wine cellar, but functions for cat welfare. As an option that allows you to have both without compromise, we would be delighted if you would consider placing a Cat Cellar in your living room.

If you have any questions about how to use it, please feel free to send us a message via our official LINE. Our customer service staff will be happy to assist you.

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※Reference: Vinke CM, Godijn LM, van der Leij WJR. Will a hiding box provide stress reduction for shelter cats? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2014. DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.09.002