Studies show that cats have great memories. They remember important people even years after being around them and can recall details from their lives before being rescued. ... If a cat experienced trauma, these memories are hard to get rid of. A rescued cat may exhibit certain anxieties or phobias due to past distress.

Do cats know when they are abandoned?

Research has shown that cats don't show signs of separation anxiety when their owner is away. Some cat owners know this: you return from a holiday but your cat acts pretty indifferently! Other cats even behave like they are "offended" and pretend not to see you at all.

Do abandoned cats miss their owners?

Rehomed cats may miss their owners. Cats have good long-term memories and can recognize their owner, even after years of being apart. However, it's also likely that the new living environment stresses cats.