12 behaviors that cats think are abandoned

 7:47am, 2 June 2025

In our lives, cats often express emotions in their unique ways, but humans are not always able to understand. Many times, some behaviors of cats are actually sending us a signal of being abandoned, but we may not notice it. This article will explore in-depth 12 behaviors that cats may be considered abandoned, as well as relevant explanations of pet expertise.

Long-term separation Cats are animals that are very attached to their owners, and long-term separation will make them feel anxious and uneasy. When the owner leaves the house for a long time, the cat may wait at the door, and some cats may even experience stress reactions such as loss of appetite and excessive hair licking. This is because they cannot understand why their owners are not at home for a long time, thus creating concerns about being abandoned. Pampering other cats are animals with strong territorial and resource awareness, and they will closely monitor their owner's attitude towards other creatures. When the owner shows excessive attention and pampering to the other cat, the original cat may feel threatened and jealous, and fear that it will be replaced or abandoned. Not allowing cats to enter the house is a cat's territory and safe haven. If the owner does not allow cats to enter the door or frequently prohibits them from entering certain rooms, the cat will feel confused and helpless. This behavior makes them feel that their owners don’t want them to stay at home, resulting in a feeling of being abandoned. The trust and dependence relationship created between the cat and the owner is based on mutual familiarity and long-term companionship. If the owner suddenly gives the cat to someone else for adoption, the cat will feel betrayed and abandoned. This is because they cannot understand this behavior of their owners and are afraid and uneasy about the new environment. Beating or expelling cats requires a stable and harmonious environment and positive reinforcement to form a healthy personality. Any form of corporal punishment or rough treatment can negatively affect their mental health. Cats interpret this behavior as a signal that they are disgusted or abandoned by their owners, resulting in distrust and fear. Forgot to feed food is a basic need for cats to survive and a connection between them and their owners. If the owner forgets to feed the cat, they will feel hungry and helpless, which will lead to the feeling of being ignored and ignored by the owner. Sending to foster care For many cats, foster care is an unfamiliar and unfamiliar environment that can make them feel stressed and uneasy. No matter how good the foster care environment is, it cannot replace their familiar family environment. Therefore, cats sent to foster care are likely to think they have been abandoned by their owners. Cats that force cats to go out often do not like to go out because they feel strange and fearful of the external environment. If the owner forces the cat out, it will make them feel extremely stressed and fearful. This behavior that goes against the cat's will will make them feel that their owner no longer cares about their feelings, thus creating a feeling of being abandoned. It is cats’ nature to not play with cats and one of the important ways for them to connect with their owners. If the owner does not play with the cat for a long time or ignores their play needs, the cat may feel bored and lonely. This lack of impatient cats

Cats are very sensitive animals, and they can sense human emotional changes. The cat will feel sad and disappointed when the owner shows impatient or bored towards the cat. This emotional damage is huge for cats, and they will think they are no longer loved by their owners, thus creating a feeling of being abandoned.

Ignore or punish cats When cats do something wrong, some owners may choose to ignore or punish them. However, this practice not only fails to correct cats’ behavioral problems, but also negatively affects their mental health. A cat who is ignored or punished may think that it is no longer needed or cared for by its owner, creating a feeling of being abandoned. The correct way is to guide cats to form good behavioral habits through positive reinforcement. Changing a residence or moving a house is not only a place to live, but also an emotional destination for cats. If the owner suddenly changes residence or moves, it will make them feel very upset and confused. The stress and uneasiness generated in the process of re-adapting to a new environment will make them feel abandoned by their owners. Some cats even develop behavioral problems or worsen their health due to their inability to adapt to the new environment. Therefore, when changing residences or moving, owners should reduce the anxiety of their cats as much as possible and provide them with a stable and familiar environment to adapt to the new residence.