Things to Do Instead of Abandoning Your Cat
Don’t Abandon Your Cat — if you’re struggling, there are safe and responsible options like rehoming, shelters, and support programs that truly help.
Hy! My loving pet fellow’s.Here am sharing my personal research from authentic resources and a lot of experienced tips for my pets lover’s.The main theme of this article is educational purpose if you have a serious isuue about your pet then consult your vaternian first please.Life throws curveballs—sudden moves, money troubles, a new baby in the house, or that one cat who suddenly decides the sofa is a scratching post from hell. As someone who’s shared my home with cats for over fifteen years (right now I have three rescues who think 3 a.m. zoomies are mandatory), I’ve stared at the same walls you’re staring at right now. The thought “I can’t do this anymore” creeps in, and the easiest escape seems to be opening the door and hoping someone else will take over.
But here’s what I’ve learned the hard way: walking away doesn’t solve anything for your cat, and it leaves a scar on you too. There are real, workable paths forward that keep your cat safe and your conscience clear. That’s exactly what this piece is about—five humane options that thousands of cat parents (including me at different points) have used when things got tough.
RELATED
Why Abandoning a Cat Is Harmful
I’ll never forget the first time I saw what abandonment really looks like. A neighbour’s old tabby, the one who used to sunbathe on their balcony, started appearing at my gate every evening, ribs showing, eyes dull. She’d been left behind when they moved. Within weeks she picked up an abscess from fighting, then a respiratory infection that nearly killed her. We got her to a vet, but the trust was gone forever—she hid for months.
Health risks
Domestic cats aren’t built for street life. Their immune systems are tuned to clean homes and regular meals. Once they’re out, they face:
- Parasites (fleas, worms, ticks) that multiply fast without preventives
- Fights with stray cats or dogs that lead to deep wounds and infections
- Exposure to toxins—antifreeze, rat poison, car fluids
- Viral diseases like FIV or FeLV that spread quickly in stressed, unvaccinated populations
A cat who once got annual shots and flea treatment can go from healthy to critically ill in weeks.
Survival issues
Most pet cats have no clue how to hunt effectively. Even good mousers get injured or poisoned trying. Cars, extreme heat or cold, lack of clean water—the average lifespan of an abandoned pet cat on the streets is measured in months, not years. Kittens almost never make it.
Legal & ethical concerns
In many countries (including Pakistan), abandoning an animal is a punishable offence—fines, community service, or worse in some places. Ethically, it’s a betrayal. Cats form strong bonds; they recognise your voice, your scent, your schedule. When you disappear, they spend weeks searching, calling for you, getting weaker each day. That guilt stays with you.
Spay or Neuter Your Cat
If unexpected kittens are part of the problem, this is often the single biggest fix. I learned this with my first cat, Luna. She came into heat at six months and the yowling, rolling, spraying—it was exhausting. We got her spayed, and within two weeks the house was quiet again. No more midnight concerts.
If cost is the barrier, many places run low-cost spay and neuter programs — especially in spring and autumn — through animal welfare groups and partner clinics.
Prevent unwanted kittens
One unspayed female and her offspring can produce hundreds of kittens in a few years. Spaying stops that cycle completely.
Reduce behavior problems
Neutered males spray far less, fight less, and roam less. Spayed females don’t go through the stress of heat cycles. Vets see a big drop in urine marking, aggression, and escaping behaviour after the procedure.
Lower shelter burden
Every litter prevented means fewer cats entering the system. Local rescues and shelters breathe easier, and resources go to the cats who truly need help.
If cost is the barrier, many places run low-cost or free clinics—especially in spring and autumn. In Pakistan, groups like the Tahira Animal Welfare Foundation and local SPCA branches often partner with vets for subsidised days. Ask around; you’ll usually find something within driving distance.
RELATED
Apply for Financial Aid for Pet Care
Money problems are the number one reason people consider giving up their cats. Vet bills, food, sudden illness—it adds up fast. But help exists, and it’s expanding.
Vet assistance programs
Some clinics offer payment plans or sliding-scale fees. Charities sometimes cover part or all of emergency treatment. I once used a small grant from a local animal welfare group to cover half the cost of my cat’s dental surgery—saved me from choosing between rent and his teeth.
Local NGO help
In Pakistan, organisations like the Benji Project, Huraira Foundation, and various city-based rescue groups run medical funds, food distribution, and even free vaccination drives. They’re not always well advertised, but a quick call or WhatsApp usually gets you on a list.
Online pet funds
Sites like Waggle, GoFundMe (with pet-specific campaigns), and international ones sometimes match donations for medical care. Even small amounts from friends and family can bridge the gap.
Start by googling “[your city] animal welfare financial assistance” or calling your nearest shelter and asking if they know of any funds. Be honest about your situation—most people who run these programmes have been in tough spots themselves.
Find Pet-Friendly Housing
Moving is the second biggest reason cats lose their homes. Landlords say “no pets” and panic sets in.
How to search
Use filters on property sites: “pet friendly”, “allows cats”, “small pets OK”. In Pakistan, Facebook groups like “Pet Friendly Housing Pakistan” or city-specific rental groups are goldmines. Also check Defence, Bahria, or society listings—some are more lenient than you think.
Rental negotiation tips
- Bring a vet reference letter showing your cat is vaccinated and neutered
- Offer a slightly higher security deposit or monthly “pet rent”
- Propose a pet addendum that covers any damage
- Show photos of a clean, well-behaved cat (yes, really—people do this)
I once convinced a landlord by bringing my cat in a carrier for a meet-and-greet. He saw how calm she was and said yes on the spot.
Pet agreement letters
A short, polite letter that says: “I am a responsible pet owner, my cat is neutered/vaccinated, I will cover any damage, and I’m happy to provide references.” Attach photos and your cat’s records. It works more often than you’d expect.
RELATED
Book a Shelter Stay Instead of Street Abandonment
If you genuinely can’t keep your cat right now but hope to in the future, temporary options beat the street every time.
No-kill shelters
Many now have “managed intake” or waitlists instead of immediate surrender. They’ll help you explore other solutions first.
Temporary foster programs
Some rescues run foster-to-adopt or short-term fostering while owners sort out housing or health issues. Your cat stays in a real home, not a cage.
Rescue groups
Private rescuers often take cats on a temporary basis if you stay in touch and contribute what you can (food, litter, updates). It’s not ideal, but it’s worlds better than a roadside.
Reach out early—don’t wait until you’re packing the last box.
Rehome Your Cat Responsibly
Sometimes keeping them really isn’t possible. That’s okay—better a good new home than a stressed one.
If you’re unsure where to start, this step-by-step guide on how to safely rehome your cat explains screening, adoption profiles, and best practices.
Screening adopters
- Ask for references (vet, previous landlord, friends)
- Do a home visit if possible
- Arrange a trial period (two weeks)
- Stay in touch for the first month
Rehoming websites
Platforms like Adopt-a-Pet’s Rehome service, Petfinder, and local Facebook groups let you write your cat’s full story, choose the family, and even charge a small rehoming fee to filter serious people.
Social media groups
City-specific cat groups are full of screened adopters. Post honest photos, medical history, likes/dislikes. The right person will appear.
I rehomed one of my foster kittens this way. The family still sends me photos two years later—best feeling ever.
Signs You Should Ask for Help Instead of Giving Up
- Your cat is hiding more than usual or eating less
- You’re crying every time you think about the situation
- Behaviour issues that started suddenly (could be pain or stress)
- You’re skipping your own meals or meds to feed the cat
These are all signals that support is needed—now, not next month.
Final Thoughts: Responsible Choices Save Cat Lives
I’ve been the person who thought “I have no options left.” Every single time, reaching out opened a door I didn’t know existed. Your cat chose you once—give them the chance to stay with someone who will love them as much as you do, even if that someone ends up being a new family.
You’re not a bad person for struggling. You’re a good person for reading this far. Pick one option above, make one phone call today. That single step can change everything for the cat who still waits by the door for you every evening.
You’ve got this. And so does your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask: Don’t Abandon Your Cat — Common Questions
Instead of abandoning your cat, explore humane options like spaying/neutering to reduce behavior issues, applying for financial aid for vet care, searching for pet-friendly housing, using temporary foster programs, or responsibly rehoming through screened adopters. These steps keep your cat safe and prevent street suffering.
Yes, in many countries including Pakistan, abandoning an animal is considered cruelty and can lead to fines or legal action under animal welfare laws. It’s also deeply unethical as cats form strong bonds and suffer greatly when left alone.
Spaying/neutering reduces unwanted litters, decreases spraying, roaming, fighting, and yowling behavior. Many owners find these changes make keeping the cat manageable, avoiding the need to give them up.
Look for local NGOs like Tahira Animal Welfare Foundation, Benji Project, or Huraira Foundation. Many run low-cost/free spay-neuter clinics, vaccination drives, emergency medical funds, and pet food assistance programs.
Use Facebook groups like “Pet Friendly Housing Pakistan”, filter rentals on Zameen.com or OLX with “pets allowed”, offer a higher deposit, provide vet records, and write a polite pet agreement letter showing responsibility.
No-kill shelters and rescues prioritize live outcomes. Many offer temporary fostering while you resolve housing or financial issues. Contact local rescues early—they often have waitlists but prefer fostering over street abandonment.
Screen potential adopters with references and home visits, use platforms like Adopt-a-Pet Rehome, Petfinder, or local Facebook cat groups. Share full history, medical records, likes/dislikes, and consider a small rehoming fee to filter serious people.
No—most indoor cats lack survival skills. They face starvation, disease, fights, cars, toxins, and extreme weather. Average lifespan drops to months. Temporary foster or responsible rehoming is far kinder.
Many issues improve after neutering, adding enrichment (toys, scratching posts), or consulting free behavior hotlines from rescues. Medical pain can also cause sudden changes—see a vet first before considering rehoming.
Some no-kill rescues and open-admission shelters allow limited visitation or updates, especially in foster-based programs. Ask their policy upfront—private rehoming often lets you stay in touch longer.
Yes—seasonal drives by animal welfare groups, veterinary colleges, and international partners run free/low-cost clinics in major cities. Follow local rescue Facebook pages for dates and registration.
Look for hiding more, reduced appetite, sudden aggression, or if you’re skipping your own needs to care for them. These signal stress or health issues—reach out to rescues or vets for support before deciding to rehome.
At the End!Take care of yourself and your cat. One kind choice at a time really does make the world better for both of you.
