Returned Gray Cat Cries in Cage: "Did I Do Something Wrong?" After Owner Claims "No Connection"

A heartbreaking story has emerged from a cat rescuer who shared the devastating impact of pet returns on the animals they care for. Months ago, a kind-hearted individual involved in cat fostering rehomed a British Shorthair cat. However, it wasn't long before the adopter returned the cat, stating the reason as "the cat couldn't warm up to them."

Upon returning to the foster home, the British Shorthair became withdrawn and listless, gazing sadly out the window with tearful eyes, as if silently asking, "What did I do wrong?" This poignant scene has deeply saddened many online.

A Weibo user, known as "Luli-made Chestnut", who is involved in cat fostering, recently posted several photos illustrating this situation. She recounted how a little over a month ago, she had rehomed a mixed-breed gray and white British Shorthair cat, only for the adopter to return the cat shortly after, claiming it "couldn't be domesticated”. The rescuer emphasized that the reasons for return are often trivial, and the cats are left confused as to why they suddenly lose their home after a few days or weeks.

"Frankly, every time I see these returned cats, I can't bear to look them in the eyes. Each one is heartbroken when they're returned. I'm afraid I'll start crying if I look at them for too long," the rescuer shared. She lamented that some of these cats, who had spent a period of time with their new owners, would initially make a fuss, longing to return to their former homes. Some would cry incessantly throughout the night for an extended period, while others would become depressed and completely still.

"They are probably reflecting on why they no longer have a home, but they really didn't do anything wrong. It's just that they might be loved a little later," she added.

This moving post resonated with many internet users, with one person sharing their own experience of having a cat returned after eight months, despite the adopter regularly sending videos of the cat being affectionate. The reason given was the same: the cat apparently hadn't warmed up. The commenter noted that the cat had done nothing wrong; the adopter simply no longer wanted to keep it, implying that, in such cases, anything the cat did would be considered wrong.