10 Most Common Abandoned Cat Behavior & Tips
If you’re looking to learn more about abandoned cat behavior, you’ve come to the right place!
Abandoned cats often display behaviors that differ significantly from cats that were born and raised in a home environment.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how cats respond to abandonment, how to recognize signs of abandonment in cats, and how to help cats adjust to living in a new home.
Common Abandoned Cat Behavior
Here are some of the most common abandoned cat behavior you should know:
Hiding behavior
Cats left outside may hide to feel safe and protected. They may take cover in closets, under furniture, or in other private spaces.
Cats who have been abandoned or have experienced trauma frequently exhibit this behavior, and it may take them some time to settle in and begin exploring their new surroundings.
These cats need a lot of room and time to acclimate, as well as a secure area to which they can go if they start to feel overstimulated.
Fearfulness
Cats who have been abandoned may be quite scared and easily startled.
Loud noises, rapid movements, strange persons, or animals could all terrify them.
These cats might be challenging to connect with due to their temperament, and it might take some time and persistence to win their trust.
It’s crucial to approach these cats carefully and slowly; avoid startling them with rapid movements or loud noises.
Aggression
Cats that have been abandoned may act aggressively out of stress or fear. When confronted, they could hiss, scratch, or bite.
It’s crucial to handle these cats cautiously and with respect, because their behavior might be difficult to manage.
You should avoid reaching for them or attempting to take them up without their permission and instead move toward them slowly and quietly.
Destructive behavior
Cats who have been abandoned may exhibit destructive tendencies like scratching furniture or other household things.
Stress, anxiety, or a lack of suitable outlets for natural habits like scratching can all contribute to this tendency.
To stop destructive behavior, it’s crucial to give an abandoned cat suitable scratching posts and toys.
Inappropriate elimination
Cats who have been abandoned might not always use the litter box or might even stop using it completely.
If this behavior continues, it’s crucial to have the cat inspected by a veterinarian since it may be an indication of stress, anxiety, or a health problem.
In order to encourage the cat to use the litter box, make sure it is accessible and clean, and scoop it frequently.
Excessive grooming
Cats that have been abandoned may overgroom themselves to relieve tension or distress.
It’s crucial to provide these cats with lots of care and attention to help lower their stress levels because this behavior can result in hair loss, skin irritation, and other health problems.
They can be diverted from excessive grooming by giving them toys and other sources of enrichment.
Vocalization
Cats who have been abandoned may meow or yowl excessively to express their sadness or to attract attention.
It’s crucial to show the cat plenty of care and attention because this behavior may indicate that the cat is lonely or anxious.
The cat should be evaluated by a veterinarian if this behavior persists because excessive vocalization can also be an indication of a serious health problem.
Separation anxiety
When left alone for long stretches of time, abandoned cats may develop strong attachments to their new owners and display symptoms of separation anxiety.
By gradually introducing the cat to alone time and offering suitable toys and distractions, this tendency can be avoided.
If the behavior persists, it is crucial to get assistance from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
Overeating
When abandoned cats have access to food, they could consume too much since they don’t know when their next meal will be.
Because cats in the wild might not know when their next food would come, this behavior is a survival instinct.
It’s crucial to keep an eye on an abandoned cat’s food intake and to follow a regular feeding plan.
Food aggression
Abandoned cats are always protective of their food and wouldn’t what to share with anyone or other pets
Provide the cat with a distinct feeding area, as well as an abundance of food and water.
Encourage the cat to eat peacefully and without violence by using positive reinforcement, and seek additional advice from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
Causes of Abandoned Cat Behavior
Abandoned cats can display a range of behaviors, from being fearful and wary of people to so friendly and affectionate.
Some of the potential causes of bad behaviors in abandoned cats include lack of socialization, fear of humans, lack of proper training, and in some cases, poor genetics.
In order to address these issues, it is important to provide cats with a safe and secure environment, proper socialization opportunities, and consistent training.
Additionally, providing a variety of enriching activities, such as engaging toys and puzzles, can help reduce stress and anxiety, and provide a healthy outlet for cats to express their natural behaviors.
Learn more about abnormal cat behavior.
Helping abandoned cats
Coping strategies for abandoned cat behavior can vary depending on the individual cat’s temperament and needs.
Generally, it is important to give the cat some time and space to adjust to the new environment and to build trust with the caretaker.
In order to create a safe and secure environment, cats should be provided with hiding places, perches, and scratching posts, and food and water should be consistently available.
Additionally, it can be helpful to provide enrichment activities, such as puzzle feeders, and to establish a routine for the cat.
Positive reinforcement is also important, and providing rewards for desired behaviors can help the cat to feel comfortable and secure in its new home.
Learn more about helping abandoned cats.
FAQs
Do abandoned cats need special care?
Cats who have been abandoned could require particular care, including nourishment, socializing, and medical attention for wounds or illnesses.
As they get used to their new surroundings, they could also need more time and care.
Note that they can flourish if you give them a secure, cozy, and healthy place to live.
What can I do to help an abandoned cat?
You can assist an abandoned cat by giving it food, water, and shelter if you are able to.
Moreover, you can assist the cat in finding a new home by contacting a neighborhood animal rescue group or animal control facility.
If you choose to adopt the cat, be sure to provide it with the required care and attention and, if necessary, consult a veterinarian or an expert in animal behavior.
Can abandoned cats develop behavioral problems?
Certainly, the traumatic experiences that abandoned cats have can lead to behavioral issues.
Some felines may become more hostile, frightened, or worried.
Moreover, they can start having litter box problems, acting destructively, or vocalizing excessively.
Addressing these problems can be facilitated by working with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.
Sure, it is possible to socialize abandoned cats with other cats, although it could take some time and effort.
It’s crucial to introduce the cats gradually and carefully observe their interactions.
Some cats may never feel completely at home in a household with other cats and may fare better as the only pet.
How long does it take for an abandoned cat to adjust to a new home?
Depending on the personality, age, and prior experiences of the cat, the transition period can change.
While some cats might acclimate in a matter of days, others can need a few weeks or even months.
During this time, it’s crucial to be patient and give the cat a steady, tranquil environment.
How do abandoned cats behave?
Many characteristics, such as fear, anxiety, hostility, and withdrawal, can be seen in abandoned cats.
They might also exhibit symptoms of sickness, thirst, and hunger.
While some orphaned cats could become more talkative, others might hide and avoid interacting with people.
Learn more about how to know if a cat likes you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, abandoned cats often display behaviors that differ significantly from cats that were born and raised in a home environment.
This can make it difficult for cats to adjust to living in a new home and make it more challenging to provide them with the care they need.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help cats adjust to their new situation, including providing them with a safe, nurturing environment and showing them plenty of love and affection.
By understanding the specific needs of abandoned cats, we can make sure they receive the care and attention they need and deserve.
