Do Cats Feel Sad When Rehomed? Here’s What You Need To Know
Quick Answer
Moving to a new home can be as stressful for cats as it is for humans.
Imagine, one minute, they’re all cozy and settled in a familiar place they know like the back of their paw.
The next, they’re whisked away to a totally strange place without knowing what’s happening or if they are safe.
It would be stressful for anyone.
How A Cat Feels During The Rehoming Process
Cats are creatures of habit who thrive on predictability and security.
They are also territorial animals that get attached to their surroundings and their human family members.
When a cat is rehomed, it’s not just about changing where she lives—her whole world shifts, which can be emotionally overwhelming.
Some cats adjust quickly and relatively easily during this difficult time, but others may take longer to relax and settle in.
When we adopted our rescue cats George and Loulou, George was so terrified that he used to sit in the cupboard under the bathroom sink, facing the wall, for hours at a time.
It took several weeks for him to be sure that he was safe and could trust us.
Unfamiliar Environment
Let’s now try to imagine how a cat feels when she first arrives in her new home environment.
First of all, she’s probably had a stressful car journey, confined in a cat carrier, to get there.
When she arrives, most likely, it’s full of unfamiliar sounds and scents, new people, and maybe even new pets.
Maybe the food is different.
Maybe the cat litter is unfamiliar.
Maybe there are children or other pets who want to play with or interact with her before she is ready.
As territorial animals, cats rely heavily on scent to mark their surroundings and feel secure.
So when they are placed in a completely new environment completely devoid of their own scent, it can be overwhelming and unsettling.
At the same time, the cat isn’t sure where she can go (if anywhere) to feel safe and take the time she needs to regroup and calm down.
When I adopted our senior cat, Millie, I met the rescue person at the shelter and collected her directly from there.
Millie then had a stressful 90-minute drive home with me, a complete stranger.
When we arrived, I placed her carrier in a large bathroom, left her some food, water, and a litter box, and allowed her some time on her own to regroup from the stress.
When I went to check on her a few hours later, she had decamped to an inaccessible spot behind the bathtub.
She stayed there for several days, only coming out to eat when I wasn’t around.
But when she was ready, she started to interact.
Lack Of Control
Like humans, cats like to feel in control of their environment.
If they don’t know what’s happening, then it is scary and stressful.
But once they start to feel more secure and learn that nothing bad is going to happen, their confidence will grow, and they will start to relax.
How long it takes for them to settle into their new home is up to each individual cat, but it’s always best to go by the cat’s timeline and not try to rush things.
Over time, what was once a daunting new environment will become a familiar and safe haven where the cat can thrive in her new life.
Signs Of Stress In Cats
It’s important for new pet parents to pay close attention to their cats’ behavior during the early days, as it can reveal a lot about how they’re feeling.
Physical And Behavioral Changes
Here are some common physical and behavioral signs of depression or stress to watch out for:
- Changes in eating or drinking habits.
- Hiding or avoiding human interaction.
- Increased vocalization or excessive meowing.
- Aggressive behaviors such as hissing, growling, scratching, or biting.
- Excessive grooming, scratching, licking, or over-grooming in one area.
- Gastrointestinal problems like vomiting or diarrhea.
- Urinating outside of the litter box.
- Lethargy and lack of interest in activities like play.
These small but impactful changes serve as early warnings.
They tell us our cats are struggling with this big life change and need time and space to learn to trust their new family members, get used to their new routine, and feel secure in their new home.
Body Language
Cats also tell us how they are feeling through their body language.
All we have to do is learn to understand what they are telling us.
Typical signs of fear, anxiety, or stress in cats include:
• Stiff muscles or body
• Hunched posture
• Flattened ears
• Tail close to body
• Dilated pupils
• Increased swallowing or lip licking
• Skin twitching
If you’re not sure how to read your cat’s body language, this video from Fear Free Happy Homes has a nice summary:
Reasons For Rehoming
Cats find themselves being rehomed for all sorts of reasons, ranging from sudden allergies or a move to a pet-restricted living space, to owners suddenly navigating major life changes.
Behavioral problems play a significant role too.
Destructive behaviors like excessive scratching, aggressive behavior toward another resident cat, or issues using the litter box often push owners to give up on their cats without finding the root cause of the problem behavior.
Environmental shifts, such as the arrival of a new baby, a new pet, or changes in furniture layout, can all unsettle cats, leading them into behaviors that confuse and even overwhelm their human companions to the point where they can’t cope.
Whatever the reason, the common thread is a cat suddenly grappling with change, trying to find stability in a time of extreme uncertainty.
Having said that, depending on the circumstances, being rehomed can be a huge relief for the cat.
Let’s say she was being bullied by the other felines in the home, her owners were always arguing, the kids in the family played too roughly with her, or she just wasn’t well taken care of.
In cases like this, being removed from her former home can be a great opportunity for the cat to start fresh and find a loving, supportive home where she can truly thrive.
Previous Bond And Attachment
Cats often build strong bonds with their owners.
When they get rehomed for whatever reason, it not only disrupts their daily routine and rocks their entire world, but it also breaks the bond they have with their previous family.
This can be especially difficult for cats who were the sole pet in a household or lived in a quieter environment.
It’s important to be aware of this when bringing a rehomed cat into your home.
Do Cats Miss Their Previous Owners?
Just like humans, cats can miss their loved ones—both human and feline—and it may take some time for them to bond with their new family.
The amount of time it takes for a cat to get used to their new home and family depends on several factors, such as their age, temperament, and previous experiences.
Some cats may adjust quickly and easily, while others may take weeks or even months to fully settle in.
Creating A New Bond
Sometimes, cats need time to form new bonds.
While some cats will curl up in your lap right from the get-go, others will take longer to warm up.
It’s always best to avoid trying to force a cat into interacting or constantly seeking them out.
Instead, provide a safe and calm environment where the cat can explore on her own terms and retreat when she wants to.
Spend quiet time near the cat, allowing her to approach and initiate interactions on her own terms.
Play, treats, and gentle petting are all good ways to help build trust and create positive associations between the cat and her new owner.
Do Cats Get Lonely?
Cats, like all social animals, can experience loneliness.
This is especially true for cats who have previously lived with other feline companions or in a multi-pet household.
If your newly adopted cat seems withdrawn or depressed, it could be a sign of loneliness.
In such cases, it’s important to provide extra attention, play, and environmental enrichment to give your cat lots of positive experiences and elevate her mood state.
Potential Past Trauma
Rehomed cats sometimes bring with them memories of past traumas and negative experiences.
These may manifest as fearful or aggressive behaviors towards their new owners.
Our cat Jethro was rescued from a hoarding situation, and although he loved our other cats, he was incredibly fearful of us.
It took months of patience and working to his timeline before he finally felt able to trust us.
It’s always best not to rush interactions with a newly adopted cat and to let them set the pace for building trust.
Rescue Organizations And Shelters
Rescue groups and shelters can play a crucial role in the rehoming process, keeping cats safe and cared for while acting as matchmakers, carefully pairing them with a home that suits their personality and needs.
The goal is always to make the transition as smooth as possible for both the cat and her new family while causing minimal stress to the cat.
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Resources
- Cat Body Language 101 [Video] – Fear Free Happy Homes
- Stress In Cats – Blue Cross
