Are you a cat lover who has recently taken in an abandoned feline friend? Or perhaps you’re considering adopting a cat who has been left behind?
Whatever your situation may be, understanding abandoned cat behavior is crucial to providing the best care for your new furry companion.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the common behaviors exhibited by abandoned cats and provide tips on how to help them adjust to their new home.
So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s chat about our feline friends!
Abandoned Cat Behavior
Abandoned cats may exhibit various behaviors due to the stress, fear, and confusion caused by their abandonment.
They may be aggressive towards strangers who try to help them, or they may become more attached to people who show them kindness and provide them with food and shelter.
If you encounter a stray cat, it’s important to check for identification tags or microchips to see if they have an owner.
If they don’t, you can try to help them by providing food, water, and shelter, and by contacting local animal rescue groups for assistance.
Let’s break down abandoned cat behavior…
The following are some common abandoned cat behavior:
1. Sleepiness
Especially during the daytime when the streets are bustling and noisy, abandoned cats may sleep for extended periods.
They can preserve energy and maintain their alertness at night, when they may need to look for food or fend off predators.
Being sleepy can also make it harder for people to find and save abandoned cats because they could be less active throughout the day.
2. Spraying or urinating in public areas
Cats that have been abandoned may spray or urinate in public places, such as on buildings or sidewalks, to establish their territory.
Humans may find this behavior annoying, and it may also raise health issues like the possibility of disease outbreaks.
In addition, some stray cats may have urogenital infections or other medical conditions that make urinating painful or challenging.
3. Roaming
Cats that have been abandoned may wander the streets looking for food, shelter, or potential mates.
This may enhance their vulnerability to mishaps or injuries as well as their risk of getting sick or developing diseases.
Wandering habits can also make it difficult for people to find and save abandoned cats because they may roam a lot.
4. Begging
Cats that have been abandoned may discover that approaching people can occasionally lead to gaining food or affection.
In the future, cats may be less likely to be adopted by a family if they start approaching people in search of food or attention as a result.
While semi-feral cats are often comfortable with people but may not be suited for living in a home, this is not always the case.
5. Hiding
Cats may experience vulnerability and fear when they are abandoned and left to fend for themselves.
They might therefore look for hiding places that give them a feeling of protection and security.
This tendency can make it difficult for people to find and rescue abandoned cats, and can make it difficult to socialize with cats who have spent a lot of time living on the streets.
6. Scavenging
While they are left to fend for themselves, abandoned cats may engage in scavenging activities.
This can entail looking through dumpsters and trash cans or even pursuing little rodents.
Cats are natural hunters, but scavenging in urban areas exposes them to potentially toxic chemicals or compounds that may affect their health.
7. Fearful behavior
Due to their past experiences, abandoned cats could be wary of people or other animals.
Because of this, they might flee or hide when they hear or see people.
It may be more difficult to approach and rescue abandoned cats as a result of this behavior, and it may also be more difficult to socialize cats that have been living on the streets for a long period.
8. Aggressive behavior
If abandoned cats feel intimidated or think their food or territory is in danger, they may react aggressively.
This may make it challenging for people to interact with them and may even cause cats to fight.
Cats may become more aggressive while living close to one another to defend their resources and establish control over other cats.
9. Vocalization
Abandoned cats are known to vocalize to interact with humans or other cats.
Depending on the circumstance, this may involve meowing, hissing, or snarling.
Cats that have been abandoned and are now living on the streets may make vocalizations to interact with other cats or to try to make human contact in the hopes of getting food or attention.
10. Forming feral cat colonies
They may form feral cat colonies and create a social hierarchy among themselves in locations with a high number of abandoned cats.
A dominant male or female cat may rule these colonies, and the cats may cooperate to forage for food and defend their area.
Feral cat colonies, however, can also be a health hazard to people, damage property, and spread disease.
Furthermore, some feral cat colonies may grow too big to control, which could result in overpopulation and environmental issues.
11. Fighting with other cats
Abandoned cats may fight for food, territory, or mating rights in places with a high stray cat population.
Their living conditions could become even more difficult as a result of these battles, which could cause injuries and illnesses.
The violence of other animals, such as dogs or raccoons, who may attack them without cause, may also be more likely to affect certain abandoned cats.
Learn more about weird cat behaviors.
Tips for helping an abandoned cat
Here are some useful tips for helping an abandoned cat:
- Provide food and water: Provide food and water to help the cat as it may be malnourished or dehydrated.
- Offer shelter: Offer a safe and warm space for the cat to rest, such as a box with blankets or a pet carrier.
- Contact local animal shelters or rescue organizations: Contact your local animal shelters or rescue organizations to report the abandoned cat and to ask for help in finding it a permanent home.
- Look for potential owners: Ask around your neighborhood and put up flyers to try and locate the cat’s potential owners.
- Don’t chase the cat: Avoid chasing the cat as it could run away or become aggressive.
- Approach the cat with caution: Approach the cat carefully and slowly, offering it food and water to help gain its trust.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the cat to reduce the risk of spreading germs or diseases.
- Consider getting the cat spayed or neutered: Consult with your local animal welfare organization or your veterinarian for advice on spaying or neutering the cat.
- Consider adopting the cat: If the cat cannot be reunited with its owner or cannot find a new home, consider adopting it yourself or ask friends or family members if they would be interested.
How to reduce the number of abandoned cats on the streets
There are several ways to reduce the number of abandoned cats on the streets.
One effective method is trap-neuter-return (TNR), which involves catching and neutering or spaying stray cats before returning them to their outdoor homes.
Spaying and neutering pets are also important to prevent the problem before it begins.
Additionally, providing food and water for stray cats can help reduce their need to roam and search for resources.
It is also important to educate the community about responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering their pets.
Learn more about adopted stray cat behaviors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an abandoned cat?
An abandoned cat is a cat that has been left behind by its owner or has become lost and is unable to find its way back home.
How do abandoned cats behave?
Abandoned cats may exhibit a variety of behaviors, including hiding, hissing, scratching, and avoiding human contact.
They may also be more likely to engage in destructive behavior, such as clawing furniture or marking their territory.
How can I help an abandoned cat?
If you want to help an abandoned cat, you can contact your local animal shelter or rescue organization.
They can guide how to safely approach and capture the cat, as well as medical care and shelter while they search for its owner or work to find it a new home.
What are the risks of adopting an abandoned cat?
Adopting an abandoned cat can come with some risks, particularly if you are unsure of the cat’s medical history or behavioral tendencies.
It is important to properly assess the cat’s temperament and health before bringing it into your home and to seek the guidance of a veterinarian or animal behaviorist if necessary.
How can I prevent my cat from becoming abandoned?
To prevent your cat from becoming abandoned, be sure to provide it with proper care, including regular veterinary checkups, healthy food, and plenty of exercises and mental stimulation.
It is also important to keep your cat indoors or in a controlled outdoor environment and to have it spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted litters.
Socializing an abandoned cat can be a challenging but rewarding process.
It is important to approach the cat slowly and patiently, offering it food and treats and creating a calm and positive environment.
You may also want to seek the assistance of a professional animal behaviorist to help guide the process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding abandoned cat behavior is crucial for providing them with the care and attention they need.
By recognizing the signs of anxiety, fear, and stress, we can help these cats feel safe and secure in their new homes.
Remember to be patient and consistent in your approach, and seek professional help if needed.
With a little love and understanding, we can make a positive impact on the lives of these furry friends.
So let’s continue to learn and grow together, and make the world a better place for all cats, abandoned or not.
