Scared cat can't stop crying — animal shelter reveals sad reality of returned pets

A heartbreaking animal shelter story grabbed the attention of countless TikTok users when the Humane Animal Treatment Society (HATS) shared a clip of an abandoned cat, Smokey, on their official TikTok account, @hatsmtp1. The video garnered over 2.7 million views and 394K likes since it was uploaded on June 21, 2025. According to Newsweek, HATS is a non-profit welfare organization that offers services like adoption, animal care, and neutering. 

The video published by the organization showcased Smokey, a fluffy gray cat, sitting inside a litter box. The cat is visibly afraid and constantly purrs at the staff members, wary of her new surroundings. The overlaid texts on the tear-jerking clip share the situation the little cat has been put in. It reads, "What you don't see after you surrender your pet." The caption also shared Smokey's story in detail: "Smokey was surrendered today. He spent the day hiding in his litter box, terrified and crying out for his family. Surrendering a pet to a shelter should be a last resort after exhausting all avenues." 

The caption further stated, "Never get a pet without doing your research on proper care for that animal and be sure you’re committed to care for them for life." A HATS spokesperson told Newsweek how they aren't unfamiliar with such situations: "Smokey's story is, unfortunately, not uncommon."

While there has always been a constant negative reaction regarding the abandonment of pets, HATS told Newsweek that they try to be understanding of the owners and their circumstances, "There are also, however, beloved pets forced to be surrendered due to heartbreaking, unforeseen life changes—like illness, eviction, or financial hardship—that leave them with no other option. We don't believe in judging individuals for their circumstances. Our goal with the video was never to shame, but to raise awareness of what animals go through during such transitions.'"

According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, between the year 1996 to 2017, a Danish animal shelter recorded common reasons why owners surrendered their pets to animal shelters. The study covered 3,204 dogs and 2,755 cats, with the data available for  86% cases, and showcased the common relinquishment reasons. The primary reasons behind the abandonment of cats were, owner's health (32%), housing problems (26%), and behavioural issues (25%). The report further shared how behavioural issues are also influenced by how a pet is raised and treated, hence changes can be brought instead of opting for pet relinquishment. 

Smokey's video, shared by HATS, not only received an overwhelming response through views and likes but also through comments. One user, @mycatsaflac2.2, opined, "Yes it is sad! But I would rather someone surrender their pet, than it be neglected or abandoned completely." @dassievicious wrote, "How can someone just abandon their family member?!" Another user, @wvkk104, commented, "As someone who is a cat/kitten foster, I can only be grateful that they surrendered them to a safe place. Many people do much worse." @loweredcamry volunteered, "I’ll take him."

Stories like Smokey's not only share the importance of responsible pet ownership but also spread awareness regarding adoption. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 4.2 million shelter animals were adopted in 2024. And, approximately, 2.2 million cats were adopted in the same year, with 362,000 being returned to their owner or the field. 

For more endearing animal content, follow Humane Animal Treatment Society on their TikTok account.