The doorbell rings and your cat makes a beeline under your bed. No commercial products exist specifically for obstructing a cat's path to the tantalizing spot under your bed, but you can stop her through some understanding of cat behavior and a little do-it-yourself ingenuity.
Why They Do That
Cats aren't drawn to the treasure trove of dust bunnies and lost socks that congregate under your bed. This spot is quiet, dark and secluded -- three things cats love. Cats hide for a variety of reasons, and prefer a safe place to retreat to. It provides a nice den to unwind after a stressful situation, hide when she's feeling shy or just catch a few dozen winks in another nap.
Block The Way
You're unlikely to find anything in your local pet store that is specifically marketed to keep your cat from camping out under your bed. But that's OK, you can improvise. Retail stores sell large, flat plastic bins specifically for storing things under your bed. Buy a few of these and use them to store your out-of-season wardrobe while you keep your kitty from sneaking under. For those cats who somehow manage to get under anyway, use some scrap plywood to completely block the open areas under your bed. Cats can squeeze into deceptively small openings, so you may need to experiment until you find just the right obstacle that keeps her out.
Offer An Alternative
Your cat is a predator at heart, and hiding is in her nature. If you don't want her to declare the area under your bed as her own personal safe haven, offer her another spot to feel safe and cozy. Cardboard boxes are always an easily replaceable den, and offer the additional benefit of giving her something to sharpen her claws on. Cat trees come in a variety of styles and designs, with many offering a hiding spot or two built in. Check out your local pet or retail store for additional ideas for cat beds and cozy hideaways, and place a few at different locations around your home to give your kitty a place to crash no matter whereabouts in the house she is.
See Your Vet
Sometimes a cat will hide for more concerning reasons, and not just because she's feeling shy. Cats hide pain in an attempt to protect themselves from other predators, and in turn can sometimes hide when they feel unwell. Senior cats can develop dementia and other issues that leave them confused and frightened, so they hide to feel safe. If your cat has developed this hiding behavior suddenly and without obvious cause, call your vet for advice.
References
Writer Bio
Jane Williams began her writing career in 2000 as the writer and editor of a nationwide marketing company. Her articles have appeared on various websites. Williams briefly attended college for a degree in administration before embarking on her writing career.