I don't know why people do this. I've seen it happen over and over again. I've told people to call me if a situation ever comes up and they can't have a cat anymore. I've told them that I'll take the cat and find it a new home. Don't take it to the pound. Yet, most times they do. I guess it's easier to abandon it to strangers and "hope for the best" than face your friends. I don't get it. They should be thinking of the cat's best interest. Not their own.