Is it cruel to return a cat?

Don't Blame Yourself for Returning a Pet to the Shelter
In most instances no, it's not. Unless you're returning the pet for unprovoked aggression or an untreatable illness, they are probably going to find a new home where they fit right in. Even knowing that they'll be adopted again, you're still going to feel crummy.
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Is it cruel to give your cat away?

Even just rehoming your cat might feel like abandoning it, making you a bad person in your own eyes. It's important to remember that giving away a cat doesn't make you a terrible person. There can be good reasons for this decision. In some cases, it's the best way forward for you and the cat.
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What is a good reason to return a cat?

Changes in the household. Cats can be sensitive to changes in the home like introducing a new pet, new addition to the family like a baby or house guest, or home renovations - even something as simple as rearranging furniture. Stress in the home. Cats often feed off the energy of their owners.
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Is it normal to regret getting a cat?

Many new pet owners experience a moment of panic and even regret during the first few months with their new cat or dog. Thankfully, with some time, patience, and compassion for both you and your pet, these feelings can be overcome, and you'll be well on your way to a lifetime of happiness with your new best friend.
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Is it wrong to rehome your cat?

Sometimes things just don't work out, and that might include the life you planned with your cat. If you've reached that point, it's time to consider rehoming your cat. Maybe your cat's run into some behavioral issues that you haven't been able to fix, or you've accepted a new job that requires more travel.
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Rehoming Your Cat | Should You Feel Guilty About It?



Will my cat be sad if I give her away?

When a cat loses a companion, whether animal or human, she most certainly grieves and reacts to the changes in her life. Cats alter their behavior when they mourn much like people do: They may become depressed and listless. They may have a decreased appetite and decline to play.
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Do cats remember their previous owners?

When it comes to short-term memories, other studies have proven that cats only preserve these memories for a little more than 24 hours. With enough repetition, however, certain people, acts, and objects enter their long-term memory. That makes it safe to say that cats do, in fact, remember their previous owners.
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What if I don't want my cat anymore?

You can surrender your cat by bring him to an open admissions shelter or rescue organization. If ensuring your cat ends up adopted into a loving home is important to you, there is another option that will help your cat be seen by millions of potential adopters.
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Do cats miss their owners?

Fortunately, there's research that proves that cats can get emotionally attached and miss their owners while they're away. Cats may not show that they miss their owners in the same way that dogs do.
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Why you should not get a cat?

Cats can trigger asthma, and some people are allergic to cat hair or dander (dead skin). If you have young children, a cat might not be the best idea. Cats may be unpredictable around children when unsupervised, so teaching your children how to behave around cats is vital.
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Under what circumstances would you return a pet?

Perhaps the most common reason for a dog being returned to the shelter is unwanted behavior. Whether it's going potty inside, destructive separation anxiety, leash aggression, or any number of other behaviors that have you pulling out your hair, know that it can get better with training and, sometimes, with age.
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What behaviors would make you return your new pet?

Common Reasons Why Dogs Are Returned
  • Unexpected costs.
  • Human health issues.
  • Destructive behaviors (for example, soiling in the house, chewing furniture)
  • Disobedience.
  • Barking.
  • Hyperactivity.
  • Aggression (with children, other family members or pets)
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What would you consider a valid reason for giving up a pet?

Common stated reasons for giving up a dog include: The dog is aggressive towards other dogs, strangers, or family members. The dog has separation anxiety and the family can't reasonably treat it. The dog has a different behavior concern, such as fearfulness, housetraining issues, or escape issues.
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Do cats get emotionally attached to their owners?

Researchers say they have found that, like children and dogs, cats form emotional attachments to their caregivers including something known as “secure attachment” – a situation in which the presence of a caregiver helps them to feel secure, calm, safe and comfortable enough to explore their environment.
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How do you cope with surrendering a pet?

4 Tips for Coping With Rehoming Your Dog
  1. Write a letter to the dog you gave away. Take time to say goodbye to your dog. ...
  2. Read the letter my adopted dog Tiffy wrote to her previous owner. ...
  3. Know that your decision has brought happiness to another family. ...
  4. Be gentle with yourself.
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How do you settle a Rehomed cat?

How to prepare your house for a cat
  1. Choose one room for your cat to settle in. ...
  2. Give your cat places to hide. ...
  3. Set up your cat's room with everything they need. ...
  4. Make the room comfy and safe. ...
  5. Consider using a pheromone diffuser. ...
  6. Make sure the whole house is escape-proof. ...
  7. Give your cat time and space.
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Will my cat think I abandoned him when I go on vacation?

It's actually pretty common for cats to act strangely or aggressively after their humans return from vacation. They're sensitive to change and you being gone has not only disrupted their routine but also their bond with you.
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Do cats remember you after 2 years?

Long-term cat memory

Cats have been known to retain information for up to 10 years but are highly selective about what they remember. In short, they will only recall what benefits them. Cats will remember people they had a strong bond with; that is, those who fed and cared for them.
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Are cats loyal to their owners?

Cats are just as loyal to their owners as dogs, study finds.
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How do you live with a cat you hate?

Cats get a raw deal sometimes. They are viewed as being conniving, snobby, mean, and antisocial.
...
9 Essential Hacks To Make Living With A Cat Easier
  1. Water Bottles Are Your Friend. ...
  2. Set Boundaries. ...
  3. Clip Nails Immediately. ...
  4. Give Them a Safe Space. ...
  5. Accept What You Cannot Change.
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How do I get rid of my cat?

How to rehome your pet responsibly and humanely
  1. Reach out to your local animal shelter. ...
  2. Doctor knows best. ...
  3. Do not get personal. ...
  4. Rehome. ...
  5. Get Your Pet. ...
  6. Put your pet's best paw forward. ...
  7. Friends and family. ...
  8. Surrendering your pet to a shelter.
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How long does it take for a cat to forget its owner?

You may be wondering if your cat will remember you after you've been away on holiday or if your friend's cat remembers you after you spent a week pet sitting. A cat's short-term memory lasts around 16 hours (if it is something that your cat thinks is important to remember) and their long-term memory is indefinite.
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How long does a cat remember a person?

With their lengthened long-term memory span, cats can remember a person's face for up to 10 years. Because of their associative memory, it is important to share pleasant experiences with your cats to ensure that they remember you in a positive manner.
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Will my cat forget me after 6 months?

The answer there is also yes. Cats have excellent long term memories, just like dogs. Whether or not they care to remember you is a different matter. Dogs pretty much love everyone that treats them well, so if you're in their life they'll remember you and be excited to see you.
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