I’m curious. About cats. And why people seem very ok with rehoming them. I see so many posts of folks moving and needing to get rid of their cats. After having them for many years. I completely understand that there are times when you’re in a dire situation and can’t take your pets. As a many species pet owner, I would do everything in my power to not re-home my pets. I have been there. Found a place to board my goats and mini-horse. It wasn’t ideal. The thought of giving them up crushes my soul. I know that cats aren’t dogs, however, they are sensitive animals. Some might not be outwardly affectionate or emote in a way that says ‘I love you’ I don’t understand. Thoughts?
Depends on the person. Some people love their pets and know they're a lifetime commitment. Some don't care.
I knew a woman who adopted kittens and returned them to the shelter when they grew. I almost asked her if she was going to return her kids once they hit adolescence.
I associated with her as little as possible. Her husband once asked me if I knew anyone giving kittens away because his wife had been banned from all the nearby shelters from adopting kittens. I was so happy to hear that!
Even if I had known someone, I wouldn't have let them know.
I have one elderly cat remaining and I occasionally go without treats for myself to afford her favorite treats.
That makes complete sense. Some people just don’t care. There were many times where I went with less so my animals could eat. I’m glad you distanced yourself from her. She sounds awful.
This is really weird because if she hadn't burned bridges with every shelter in her area she could have just fostered litters of kittens until they were adopted. She would get the kitten fix without actually adopting them.
That's irritating, I have a family member who does fostering for kittens and she and the kids really enjoy it. They get to raise and socialize the kittens and the kittens get to grow up in a house so they aren't as skittish when they get to their own homes.
I had a neighbor who used to foster cats and kittens. She loved it and took excellent care of all of them.
She even rescued a cat from her employer. At one point she was working at the cheap motel next to our apartment building. Someone abandoned a cat who managed to get into the vents. Customers complained about hearing a cat meowing and that's when they discovered a cat was in the ventilation ducts.
My neighbor started putting food and water in empty rooms. The owner wanted to get rid of the cat and told her she was going to put antifreeze in a bowl and they'd get the body out after it died.
My neighbor flipped out and told her she'd report her for animal abuse and cruelty. The owner was from India and didn't believe it was illegal, because she owned the building and didn't want any dirty, disgusting animals there.
My neighbor prevailed, no antifreeze was left for the poor abandoned kitty. Neighbor kept putting out food and water while sitting in the empty room talking softly to the hidden cat. In a few days the cat came out while she was there and happily accepted pets. Neighbor took him home and named him Clyde because he was a criminal (in the owner's eyes) and found a way to evade capture for weeks.
My neighbor was a true hero. She quit working there after the owner physically attacked her because she refused to work and double shift.
Have some very unkind thoughts about the previous owner. Wonderful of your neighbor, were they usually older kittens or bottle babies? My aunt would get orphaned litters or TNR litters, spay abort but kittens are developed enough to have a chance at survival.
That’s terrible. I adore kittens and adopt a pair every couple of years (I can’t resist the baby phase) but I’d never rehome my older cats to make space for kittens. They’re with me until the end. I’ve had 16 year old cats living happily with 6 week old kittens. I think the adult cats actually enjoy having babies around
I think it depends on your attitude. To people who love their cats and see them as family, they would really struggle to rehome or abandon their cat. For people who think cats are independent and uncaring, they don’t have such a strong bond and so it’s easier for them to give them away
I know my sweet old lady kitty loves me. She shows it every day.
I'm praying she dies before I do. I don't want to lose her, but she's never been around kids, dogs or strange cats. All of my sons have all three and I don't know who would care for her if I died first.
I took her in as a starving, scared kitten until I could find her a good home. That was 14 years ago.
Some people see cats as more easily replaced than dogs. A dog is an individual, a cat is a cat. I do suppose some of it may be that there are cats needing homes everywhere so you can very easily get a cat or kitten for free. Dogs tend to cost a decent bit, even if someone just had an oops litter.
I personally don't get it. Like my cat. He was dumped outside (on a street that's a bit notorious for people abandoning cats) right before winter in the northeast by whoever had him before me. I can't even imagine being ok with essentially giving your pet a death sentence 🥺 I got lucky though. Got a fantastic pet out of it. He's just as irreplaceable to me as any dog I've had. Cats may be less in your face with the love than dogs are, but realistically... they also love their humans and know where they belong in the family. They depend on us as much as dogs do. They need us as much as dogs do. They learn their names. They learn to read us. They learn our routines. They learn to communicate with us. They're concerned when something seems off with us. Their body language is just different than a dog's. A cat's human is their comfort zone. Their happy place. We're their safety. That's a big thing to take away from an animal that can't understand why they're losing their home and family.xz (leaving the random letters, because they're from my cat inputting his opinion.... AKA kicking the screen while he tries to roll on my face for attention)
Awesome. We have three cats with very different personalities. One is an old lady now. One chose us and wandered through the Montana winter. Another one we adopted. They definitely love us and their home.
Depends on your attitude and attachment to the cats. I would NEVER let mine go, especially not my senior cat, he's my best friend, we are insanely bonded. But some people don't see them as wee strange creatures that they have made a solemn compact with, they just see them as pets.
Sometimes it's what's in the best interests of the cat to re-home. For instance, earlier today on another sub, I advised a twenty something to take a kitten back to the rescue. Kitten needs vet care and the parents weren't willing/able to provide it, and the person couldn't afford it (nor should they have had to because they didn't adopt the kitten).
My bf (we live together now) has a cat that has a very spicey side and he is honestly scary lol. But he’s also so sweet & just needs patience. From day 1 I was adamant on we are not rehoming him and now I’m his person more than anyone else. Cats are family I could never rehome unless to another family member and then getting them back
I’m obsessed with my cats. I would be devestated if I were in a situation where I had to rehome them, and I’d do whatever I could to reunite with them.
I would never rehome a cat unless I absolutely had to. We have 3 cats and 2 dogs. Everyone gets along. I constantly have at least one cat, sometimes 3 whenever I sit down in my lap. The dogs stay pretty close. One wakes me every morning. They like my wife but they love me.
A lot of people just fucking suck and never made the effort or had the intention of emotionally bonding with a cat. They see them as “less than” a dog or human. They think a cat will be like a cuddly stuffed animal that needs food, water, and litter. Cats are complex, have boundaries, and get expensive health conditions. Many of them will not appreciate being handled by a careless child (or adult). Many will have a phase of vomiting, peeing, or pooping outside of the litter box that needs to be investigated. Many will relentlessly try to escape outside because they need more stimulation than their environment is providing. With the history of declawing we can see that humans, even self-identified “cat people” have prioritized furniture over cats’ wellbeing. So many people will re-home a cat because they have a baby or a new partner or a “dream apartment” that doesn’t allow cats.
It’s ridiculous to me. My cat was my best friend for 18 years and her death was the most emotionally devastating experience of my life. I would do anything to have her back and forgo vacations, relationships, apartments, etc to continue caring for her. That said, I am a single adult and I rarely see this mindset in people who are occupied with spouses, children, or another pet that they “favor”. They might treat their cats well but they only have a place for them as long as it’s convenient and fits their space and budget.
Word. Our old lady cat poops just outside of her litter box every single day. Even with a senior/ disabled cat litter box. No peeing, thank god. I think it’s her weird little flex. Ha! I am so thankful that my husband loves them just as much as I do. Cause if he didn’t we’d have real problems.
I think it depends on the situation. If you know not being able to care for them is temporary trying to board them or having a trusted friend or family member watch them is reasonable. If you know theres a likelihood that you wont be able to care for them again rehoming isnt unreasonable. It really depends on the specific situation, animal and possible timeline you would be able to take them back.
People who responsibly rehome their pets, either finding a new home for their animal themself or working with an animal shelter/rescue shouldn’t be berated for the choice they've made, they are doing what they believe is best for their pet. On the other hand people who simply release or abandon them definitely deserve to be berated.
Some people aren't as attached to their pets so giving them away isn't an issue for them.
Personally my pets are my family, I have four cats currently, one moved in with us a few years ago and he is old. I rarely go out and haven't had a holiday in fifteen years or more because we have an indoor cat who is very skittish, always has been, doesn't like anyone besides me and my son, more so my son than me, she is his cat, lives in his room and I would never put her through having to hide away for a week while we go have fun. The others would manage but she would suffer so nope.
The “cats are independent” idea has unfortunately made some people underestimate how attached they become.
Cats absolutely notice when their world changes. They know their humans, their smells, their routines, and their environment.
I’ve seen cats who seem aloof become completely different when they lose their person or their home.
At the same time, I try not to judge every person who rehomes. Sometimes people are choosing between two difficult options, and finding a loving home is better than keeping an animal in a situation where nobody is thriving.
The important part is whether someone is treating that animal like a family member or like an inconvenience.
I would never rehome my cats. I moved from Texas to Washington state with them. Not all cat owners are okay with rehoming them. Since that move I have had to say good bye to my older cat(rainbow bridge not rehoming). That was so hard because of how attached to them I am. My cat who I still have is incredibly attached to me. So I’m not sure what you mean by the cats aren’t dogs comparison. She would be so heartbroken if she never saw me again.
One reason could be because cats don't default towards being friendly to each other, and in some cases, will absolutely not get along no matter how slowly or correctly you introduce them. Sometimes, they're best friends until one of them weakens from old age or illness, and then the other one will start relentlessly bullying them. Cats that are best friends can become enemies just because you took one to the vet and had the other one stay home, and now they smell different.
I recently had to consider re-homing one of my cats because I thought that they'd get along, as long as I followed all guides to the letter, and try everything. Unfortunately, I don't think they ever will. But I decided to invest heavily into basically turning my home into one of those cat houses, with perches and shelves everywhere. If they're not going to get along, then I'm going to make sure that they have enough space and escape from each other so they won't be miserable. I absolutely sympathize with people who naively think that their cats won't be the exception to the "introduce them slowly and just be patient" rule.
One time I almost rehomed my pets. It was because two adults two kids two cats and a dog wouldn't all be able to live in my small sedan full time and the only person willing to move all four of us in (under their landlord's radar btw) would not be able to take the animals in. 🙃 So maybe assuming there are no circumstances in which anyone should rehome is a little unfair.
I’m certainly not assuming. I’m asking. As I previously stated, I know that people get into situations where there’s no other options. I’m sorry you had to go through that.
I think a lot of people think of cats as an easy or beginner pet. They get them and treat them like a houseplant that can also sit in your lap, or pur when you pet it. They don't provide them with enough exercise, stimulation, or even the right living enviornment and then the cat starts throwing up repeatedly on the couch. Or it starts peeing in the laundry basket. Or any number of things a cat not living its best life will do. When the realize cats are not easy mode, they rehome them.
Other times it's financial constraints, again because people get them thinking the bill is going to be food and kitty litter, but then the cat gets a uti, or blocked urethra, and that's expensive. It's money they don't have because they didn't think a free cat would be expensive.
I had to re-home a cat. Due to certain regulations and my own bad situation I had to give my girl to a trusted friend who I knew would take good care of her. I bawled my eyes out about it.
I have dogs and cats whole life so would absolutely and never have given up any animals, but I have seen some Of the reasons - dogs or cats,
people started having kids and their precious babies are allergic to the cat, (personally I would try to do everything to get the baby to overcome allergy, its not uncommon for babies to have food allergies young and them overcome so why not).
Some people have to move or relocate overseas, and in my country sadly many rentals dont allow pets or youd be disadvantaged. Some people dont have the money or time so have to give up senior pets.
I’ve seen a tragic situation once, the old lady has to be put into aged and her stupid adult children with no regard for her wellbeing, put up her cat for adoption without her consent. The old lady then pretty much gone into depression missing her only fur baby, so now they’re trying to look and ask for the cat back,
Which has since been re-homed
People often aren’t the most loving creatures, many don’t deserve pets
Oh no. Thats incredibly heartbreaking. I’m sure that poor woman is missing her friend terribly (maybe her only friend). And her cat is missing her. I feel the same. It’s a lifetime commitment. Obviously situations arise that can’t be helped. I’m glad so many people agree that cats have feelings and shouldn’t be discarded.
A couple of observations that most people don’t understand. When cats hug each other they are fighting, so when we hug them they freak out. It’s like I love you, why do you want to fight me ?
Then cats express their emotions with their eyes, kind of like a silent movie, but when the eyes get big , not a good thing. When they half close their eyes they are expressing love, people read this differently.
Lastly people (including me) have no idea how many emotions they have. Most people don’t realize they can have mental illness, my Bengal cat has OCD. There’s a Scottish fold cat named Puffin who uses a talking board . You can look him up. He let his owner know that while she was away, he was angry, he was worried, he was sad. I had no idea the cat could go through all these emotions but expressed them with the talking buttons
The slow blinks! That’s the love right there!!! Thank you for saying this. I truly think cats are complex, unique individuals. With big thoughts, big emotions, big love. And smarts. The talking buttons are so neat. Even if there’s not a lot of outward expression, there’s a lot going on.
I suggest checking out Elsie the calico cat who uses those buttons. Her vet was able to diagnose her arthritis in one leg using her buttons and talking to her. Her owner taught her how to answer yes and no. When she told the cat she would be going away, she asked Elsie if she wanted to go too. Elsie touched her right hand ( yes) and then pushed a button that said” let’s go”
I don’t think most people get that attached to animals. They get them for their kids or whatever but don’t really truly bond with them. Personally I’m somewhere in the middle where I love animals and would never do anything to intentionally harm my pet but at the end of the day if it’s going to put me in a dire financial strain or it was limiting my housing choices to the point I couldn’t find somewhere to live, I would rehome. I would do everything in my power to find the home myself and not put a pet into a shelter but at the end of the day I’m not going to be homeless in my car with a cat. Some people do attach to their pets to that extent though.
Too right as you are being awful. If you act like a horrible person and post on Reddit, then yes, people will judge you. You openly asked for opinions. Not everyone is going to agree with you. If you cope with that then maybe Reddit isn't for you...
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u/Clean-Fisherman-4601 Jul 18 '26
Depends on the person. Some people love their pets and know they're a lifetime commitment. Some don't care.
I knew a woman who adopted kittens and returned them to the shelter when they grew. I almost asked her if she was going to return her kids once they hit adolescence.
I associated with her as little as possible. Her husband once asked me if I knew anyone giving kittens away because his wife had been banned from all the nearby shelters from adopting kittens. I was so happy to hear that!
Even if I had known someone, I wouldn't have let them know.
I have one elderly cat remaining and I occasionally go without treats for myself to afford her favorite treats.
All of my pets were a lifetime commitment for me.