In some families, cats don't stay for long. Animals disappear without a trace, become ill, or even die. This is perceived as a true tragedy. After all, everyone becomes deeply attached to their pets. But there are explanations for this.
Folk omens and superstitions
Most owners believe that a cat's desire to leave the house is directly linked to impending disaster. It's a warning sign of sorts. Cats have always been associated with the other world. If a pet runs away, tragedy is imminent. It could even mean the death of a family member.
There's another explanation for this behavior. A misfortune truly threatened the family. But the sensitive little creature sensed the trouble in time and diverted it away from the house, taking the brunt of the blow.
Some consider the disappearance of a cat from a home where a seriously ill person lives a bad omen. It seems as if life is short. If the patient believes this, their health will deteriorate immediately. Look at the positive side of the animal's passing – the cat isn't predicting death, but rather taking it with it. Don't worry; instead, say "thank you" to your pet and expect the patient's health to improve.
There's also a belief that a cat's disappearance makes room for another. This means you're not expecting a loss, but rather a new addition to the family or the imminent news of a pregnancy. Perhaps you or a relative will have a child.
Since ancient times, there's been a superstition that the disappearance of a furry pet is the work of a brownie. Cats and brownies never get along. The brownie dislikes the presence of these animals in the house. Therefore, the brownie drives them away and harms them in any way possible.
If cats aren't settling in your home, try to befriend them. Bribing the brownie can solve the problem. You can also ask for help saving the animal's life. Detailed recommendations are available on specialized forums.
Based on ancient tales, a belief arose that cats absorb all illnesses and negativity. The latter can include the evil eye and hexes. Therefore, if there's a lot of negativity (or hexes) in your home or yourself, the animal takes it upon itself and goes to die elsewhere. All the bad stuff stays there.
According to omens, you can anticipate your pet's departure. The cat will become restless, sleep little, refuse its usual food, and rapidly lose weight. In this situation, it's best to clean the living space. These signs indicate that the cat is agitated about something.
Rational reasons
There are several reasonable and understandable explanations why cats do not get along in the house.
The animal got lost
Not every cat has a good sense of location. There's always a risk that they might get lost just a few blocks from home, for example, if they're running from a dog or chasing a dragonfly.
Another possibility is a male or female cat escaping in search of a mate during mating season. The animal may go into heat and never return. It's recommended to spay or neuter your pet. This will discourage them from leaving their personal territory.
The cat was stolen
A major drawback of walking your pet on your own is that strangers can take it. No one is immune to this. Theft can occur on the street near a private home, in the entryway of a building, or near a multi-story apartment building.
Unsupervised walking outside often ends in the death of an animal. Danger lurks at every turn: the risk of being hit by a car, killed by a sadist, or attacked by an aggressive dog. A cat might accidentally ingest poison spread for mice, rats, and other pests. Walking your four-legged friend under supervision will keep them safe. A collar and leash are a good option.
Bad attitude
If your cat frequently runs away, take it seriously. This happens because they're unhappy about something. It could be clinging to children, hunger, cruelty, constant screaming, or a raised voice. A cat is an independent animal and may go somewhere where they'll be treated better.
Virus
Sometimes cats die in the same house one after another. The cause is a virus. Some can survive in a living space for up to a year. Viruses settle everywhere: on furniture, walls, clothes, and carpets. Therefore, a new pet becomes the next victim. If a cat dies suddenly, treat the house with a quartz lamp and a disinfectant solution. It's best to get a new pet after a year. There's a better chance it won't become infected with the virus. If the cat had ringworm or another fungal infection, the house should also be disinfected.
Remember, it doesn't matter whether the reasons for a cat's departure are mystical or rational. They all have one thing in common: a cat will never continue to live in a home where it feels uncomfortable and miserable.
