If you understand what makes her run for cover, you can help ease some of her fears.

By Ilene Springer

If your cat runs and hides from strangers — and doesn’t reappear for hours — it may be time to speak to your veterinarian about her extreme anxiety.

Your cat comes to the door to greet you, rubs around your legs, purrs when you pet her and cuddles next to you on the couch. But if a friend comes to visit, a car backfires outside or if a strange cat prowls outside the house, your frightened feline is gone. Then the search begins for her — under the bed, inside a closet, down in the basement — or maybe even on top of the refrigerator. What makes some cats so afraid even in the safety of their homes? There are a number of reasons and some simple things you can do to calm down your nervous cat. …

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