Felines run on their own time, at their own pace, and they know their living situation more than anyone else. So, why are they always wanting to hide, run, and be stressed out? New person comes over...end of the world. Move around the furniture...how dare you?! Drop something on the floor...massive burnout and hectic sprint to safety. Cats are so stressed...but why?
The short answer is that life is stressful in a home with moving parts, people, loud noises, and chaos. Even a calm life for us hoomans may seem dire for our beautiful feline roommates. There is a couple things we can provide for them to take the edge off of these oh so stressful situations.
First, cats love to be hidden. Not like really hidden, but hidden enough where they can convince themselves there is no chance you can see them, but they can totally see and predict your every move. Felines need this sense of safety as their instincts kick in and tell them danger. They know they aren't really going to be in danger, but during their instinctual millisecond of thinking, they've decided that they will be getting to their favorite spot in .2 seconds, regardless of the potential carnage in the way. Once we recognize their favorite location, we can easily provide them with awesome hiding spots with cat furniture and boxes for the ultimate feline fortress.
Second, cats love to be warm. When cats are stressed, they love curling up in a tight space that gives them warmth and comfort. Their favorite purrrsian rug, couch spot, box, or cat bed is often their location of choice when choosing where to get cozy. If you don't provide them with an epic bungalow, they will make one out of any of your belongings. Remember?!? What's yours is theirs! This warm spot will help reduce the stress they feel in their chaotic lives of sleeping, eating, and playing.