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Will Your Cat Miss You If You Give Them Away? Cat Emotions Explained

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on February 2, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

sad lonely cat lying on bed

Will Your Cat Miss You If You Give Them Away? Cat Emotions Explained

Cats are loyal, loving animals that can form strong bonds with their owners. But what happens when you give your cat away? Is it possible for them to miss you, even if you’re no longer in their lives? Yes, cats can form strong connections with people, and they often experience grief and longing when they are rehomed. However, there are things that you can do to make the adjustment period easier.

This article explores the possibility of cats missing former owners and provides tips on helping them adjust to their new homes. We also discuss the importance of weighing all the factors involved when deciding to give away your cat.

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Is Rehoming a Cat Traumatic?

It’s important to understand that cats can and do miss their former owners and feel sad about being separated from them. This is especially true for cats that have spent a great deal of time with their previous human companions and have grown to rely on them for love and affection.

In general, cats will go through a period of mourning when they are rehomed, as they may feel confused and scared by the sudden change in their living situation. The only exception is if the cat was in a traumatic environment, where they didn’t have an owner who loved them. They may still “miss” them but not in the way that a cat that had a loving relationship with their previous owner would.

Rehoming a cat is not necessarily traumatic, though it can be a difficult experience for both the pet and their owner. However, there are things you can do to make the transition easier for both of you.

Sad Cat
Image Credit By: g3gg0, pixabay

Tips for Helping Cats Adjust to New Homes

If you’ve given away your cat and are worried about them missing you, there are steps you can take to help them adjust to their new home.

Consider the following:
  • Provide plenty of comfort items from their previous home. This can include things like toys, beds, scratching posts, and blankets that smell like you or their previous environment.
  • Spend extra time playing with and bonding with your cat in their new home to help them feel more secure and comfortable.
  • Slowly introduce the cat to the other pets in the house so they can get used to each other.
  • Take your cat to the vet for a check-up, and make sure they are up to date on all their vaccinations.
  • Stay in touch with the new owner, and ask for updates on how your cat is doing in their new home.

While it’s rarely easy to say goodbye to a beloved pet, it’s important to consider all the factors involved when deciding to give away your cat. With love and patience, cats can adjust to new homes and still hold their former owners in their hearts.

Do Cats Think You Abandon Them When Leaving?

This is a common concern for some cat owners. They can rest easy, as cats don’t think of their owners as people who abandon them when they leave home. They may feel a sense of loss and sadness, but it’s important to remember that cats are resilient animals and will adjust to their new environment in time.

It’s perfectly normal for cats to miss their previous owners, especially if the cat had an exceptionally strong bond with them. But with the right approach, cats can adjust to their new home with little issue.

sad looking cat lying on a table
Image Credit: avi_acl, Pixabay

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Conclusion

It’s natural for cats to miss their previous owners when they are rehomed, especially if they had a strong bond. But in time, cats can adjust to their new homes with the help of comfort items, lots of love and patience from their new owners, and plenty of bonding time.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: medveda, Shutterstock

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