A cat who doesn’t have choices is the cat who feels stressed and backed in a corner.
The cat who has the choice whether to be seen or remain hidden,
whether to sit on his cat perch or on the arm of the sofa, or whether to engage or just observe,
is the cat who will feel less anxious.

Offering a hiding place or two is just one aspect of creating a secure, comfortable and safe environment for a cat, but for a fearful cat, it can make a huge difference.

Johnson-Bennett, P. (n.d.). Why every cat needs hiding places. http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/why-every-cat-needs-hiding-places/