Although there is a growing awareness of how important it is to take responsibility for an animal and do it correctly, unfortunately there are still many people who do with their cats what they want, treating them as if they were little more than objects.
Many of them end up living on the streets, and the few who are lucky end up in a shelter where they will probably spend the rest of their lives. This is the harsh reality. Very few find a family. Therefore, if you have just introduced a feline into your home and you suspect that it had a difficult life, we will explain below how to know if my cat has been abused.
How to know if my cat has been abused?
The cat needs to have its physical and psychological needs covered throughout its life, otherwise it will grow up being afraid of humans. Therefore, you will be able to know, or at least intuit, what has happened to your friend if you see that:
- Is antisocial or aggressive: this is a behavior that cats that have been separated from their mother too soon have.
- You are dehydrated and / or thin- Most likely, you have not received the basic care you need.
- It is dirty and / or smells bad: when the furry is dirty and / or gives off a bad smell, it is almost certain that it has been living in a place where they did not pay much attention to it.
- You have wounds, baldness, and / or external parasitesThese are signs that may indicate that the cat has been abused. When you live in a situation of permanent stress, you can even pull out your hair. External parasites, such as fleas or ticks, are one of the cat's problems that is not being properly cared for.
- Overreact when you are about to scrub the floor or sweep the broom: a cat that has not been abused, the normal thing is that either shows curiosity or ignores what we are doing, but if at any time it has been hit (or tried to hit) with the broomstick or mop, it will come out running in search of a hiding place.
How can I help you?
Well, the most important thing you have already done: welcome him into your home 🙂. Now, with a lot of patience and love, you will have to earn their trust. Never force him to do anything, simply observe their behavior and take time each day to understand their body language. Invite him to play so he can see that you have no intention of hurting him, and offer him wet cat food from time to time (cans). You are sure to enjoy!
Thus, with the passage of time, he will be able to lead a completely normal and happy life by your side.
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