I Want To Get Rid Of My Cat But I Feel Bad (From Guilt To Acceptance)

As a cat owner myself, there is no greater joy than seeing my cat feeling contented and in good health.

When the day comes when I can no longer do that, I know deep down that some hard decisions have to be made.

Rehoming a cat is never an easy thing to do especially if there’s a bond between you and your feline friend.

Despite the immense love we have for them, circumstances can force us to entertain this heart-wrenching idea.

There are many reasons that can cause cat owners to rehome a cat. This can be due to aggression, inter-pet conflicts and even the lack of financial resources. The main aim when rehoming a cat is to ensure that it gets the new family that it deserves.

In this article, I will journey with you through this challenging contemplation, offering you understanding, guidance, and a shoulder to lean on.

The Bond Between Human And Cats

In life, there are relationships that touch our hearts and leave a lasting impact be it for better or for worse.

The connection between you and your cat can stand out as one of the most profound and emotionally rich bonds you’ll ever experience.

There are many studies that show how strongly cats can bond with their owners and how amazing it can be to have a cat in one’s life.

The companionship of a cat is not merely a physical presence, it’s emotional as well.

Having my cat next to me while I work is a feeling which is hard to put into words.

And there’s nothing quite like having your cat fall asleep in your arms.

The existence of this unspoken bond with your cat just makes it so much harder to give up your cat even though it is in its best interests.

Why Do I Feel Bad About Giving Up My Cat?

Our cats have an uncanny way of weaving themselves into the fabric of our lives.

When my dad brought home our first-ever family cat, my mom was dead set against it.

She was never an animal person and wanted the cat gone in a week.

After a few months of cat cuteness exposure, my mom ended up treating that cat better than us at times.

That cat, Jali, ended up living with us for 14 years before he crossed the rainbow bridge.

They become our companions, our confidants, our source of comfort and amusement and over time, part of our identity.

It’s this deep, intricate bond that makes the thought of getting rid of your furry friend feel like a heart-wrenching betrayal.

Loss of Companionship

Cats can fill a home with joy and laughter.

I miss my cat whenever Im away from home and can’t wait to get back to spend time with him.

Your cat’s companionship can be a source of solace, particularly if you live alone.

The thought of coming home to an empty house, without your cat to greet you at the door or curl up next to you in bed can evoke a profound sense of loss and loneliness.

Guilt And Self-Blame

Any cat owner would feel a sense of responsibility towards their cats.

When we adopt or buy a pet, we promise to provide for them, to care for them, to ensure their well-being.

I understand that your cat is more than just a pet or cat to you.

It is a family member and having to give up on someone you care so dearly about can wreck you with guilt and self-blame.

Reasons for Giving Up Your Cat

Every cat owner’s situation is unique, and there can be many reasons why they may consider rehoming their pet.

Here are some of the most common reasons.

Behavior Issues

As someone that has owned and fostered many furry friends over the years, I do agree that there are some cats that can be quite a handful.

These cats can create problems by:

• Scratching furniture
• Urinating or pooping outside the litter box
• Excessive meowing
• Aggression towards other pets or human

These behavioral issues are usually caused by poor socializing or health problems.

Once a bad cat isn’t always a bad cat.

Such behaviors can be corrected with proper techniques and patience.

Cat Allergies

It is hard to put yourself in the shoes of a cat allergy sufferer until you are one yourself.

I was pretty much free of any cat allergies until it suddenly hit me with my current cat.

My doctor said that I had two choices.

Either give my cat away or live with antihistamines until I’m cat-free.

The decision was easy for me to make.

With proper medication and house rules, you can learn to manage your cat allergies.

Financial Struggles

Besides behavioral problems, having financial is one of the most common reasons for rehoming a cat.

Owning a pet is a commitment that involves financial responsibilities.

Between food, toys, litter boxes, cat litter, vet bills and other unexpected expenses, the costs can mount.

You can easily spend thousands of dollars each year just on the basic cat necessities.

Even if you can give your cat all the love it deserves, it won’t do your cat any good if you can’t give it a good diet or take it to the vet.

Lifestyle Changes

As much as we try to plan for things, there are times when life can present you with something totally unexpected.

It could be that you just found out that you or your partner is pregnant.

Or you have taken up a very demanding job that leaves little to no time for your cat.

These changes can greatly impact your ability to care for your cat.

What Do I Do With My Cat If I Do Not Want It Anymore?

Rehoming your cat to another family if you are not able to give it the care it deserves does not make you a bad person.

But suddenly abandoning your cat or dumping it at a shelter, does.

There is a right and wrong way when it comes to rehoming your cat.

It can take anywhere between a few weeks to months to shortlist potential new owners for your cat.

So please do not leave such an important task to the very last minute.

Here is what you can do to help your cat find a new family.

Family And Friends

This is where I will start off first when looking for new pet owners for the cat.

Ask all your family members, relatives and friends if they are willing to adopt your cat.

If they are already familiar with your cat and have spent time with it, that would make the transition a lot easier for you and your cat.

Check With Your Local Shelters

There are many cat shelters that are always having adoption drives or happy to help rehome a cat.

I would really suggest that you try your hardest to find your cat a family to go to directly instead of putting it in a shelter.

Shelters are usually very full and to have a cat that is so used to being in a home get transitioned to a shelter can be very jarring for the poor kitty.

Foster Homes

If immediate rehoming isn’t possible, consider fostering arrangements.

This is where your cat stays temporarily with another family or individual until a permanent home can be found.

Fostering can provide your cat with a stable environment and allow potential adopters to interact with them in a home setting.

This can be arranged through personal connections or local animal welfare organizations.

There was a period when I was busy fostering a number of cats. A few of them were abandoned by their owners.

It was heartbreaking to see them look so confused and lost without their usual owners around.

There was one morning when I found two cats in a carrier outside my door.

Word must have gotten around about my fostering and some irresponsible owner must have just left them at my doorstep.

Online Platforms And Social Media

Thanks to the internet, it is very easy to find forums and special groups that are catered to fostering and rehoming cats.

Create a detailed post about your cat and be honest about why you need to rehome your cat.

By doing so, it gives your cat the best chance of finding the perfect family to look after it.

Make sure to always screen any potential adopters first.

There are some that pose as adopters but only to try and sell off your cat for money.

How Do I Cope With Giving Away My Cat?

Saying goodbye to your beloved cat is heart-wrenching and emotional.

It’s perfectly normal for you to feel guilty, sad or even angry.

Allow yourself to feel these emotions and don’t rush the process of trying to feel better too soon.

Talking to a friend or even writing about it online can help you navigate these intense feelings.

Everyone experiences grief differently.

There’s no right or wrong way to feel.

Will My Cat Be Sad If I Give It Away?

Cats can’t really experience sadness the same way humans do.

The sudden change in your cat’s usual routine and environment will definitely trigger a stress response.

This can affect its appetite and can result in other erratic behaviors.

During the rehoming process, make it as smooth and stress-free for your cat as possible.

Bring over all your cat’s belongings to its new home to help it settle in as quickly as possible.

FAQ

Nora Quill

Nora is a passionate writer with a love for books, animals, and gardening.

Her writing is inspired by her two cats and a loyal dog, who serve as her muses, as well as the tranquility she finds in her garden.

With a knack for storytelling, Nora offers a unique blend of book recommendations, heartwarming animal tales, and gardening insights.

Whether you’re interested in paws, petals, or page-turners, Nora’s world is a treasure trove of engaging content.