Texas Family Accused of Abandoning Cat After Moving, Leaving Her Searching Outside Former Home
DENTON, TEXAS — A heartbreaking video out of North Texas has sparked outrage online after a cat was allegedly abandoned when her family moved away, leaving the animal wandering an apartment complex and scratching at what appeared to be the door of her former home.
Cat Found Waiting Outside Empty Apartment
The story surfaced after a TikTok user known as TikTok creator Shadow Trammel, who goes by the username shadowtrammel, shared footage of a fluffy cat desperately pawing at an apartment door in Denton.
According to Shadow, the family living in the unit had already moved out. The cat — later named Artemis — appeared to be trying to get back inside, seemingly unaware that her owners were gone for good.
Moved by the scene, Shadow brought Artemis a can of cat food and gently tried to comfort her. In the video, he scratches her back as she eats, attempting to calm the visibly distressed animal.
Search Begins After Cat Disappears
In a follow-up video shared on Instagram, Shadow said he returned with a cat kennel, hoping to secure Artemis and keep her safe. However, the cat had vanished.
Shadow then drove around the apartment complex and nearby areas in his car, searching for Artemis and fearing she had wandered off or been harmed.
Internet Reacts With Anger and Heartbreak
The videos quickly gained traction, with viewers expressing fury at the family accused of leaving their pet behind.
“How could they leave their baby?” one commenter wrote.
“My heart hurts seeing this — she doesn’t understand,” another said.
Others urged Shadow to report the alleged abandonment to authorities, noting that pet abandonment is illegal in Texas.
Several commenters also pleaded with Shadow to adopt Artemis himself.
@shadowtrammel If I could I’d take him in 🙁 my place is to small #cats #adoptdontshop #abandoned #fyp #straycat
Cat Eventually Found Using Catnip Trick
In a final update, Shadow revealed that Artemis was found after he sprayed catnip outside his door, hoping the scent would lure her back. The tactic worked, and Artemis soon emerged from hiding.
Unable to keep another cat due to space limitations, Shadow transported Artemis to the Linda McNatt Animal Care & Adoption Center, Denton’s municipal animal shelter, in hopes she could be adopted quickly.
Shelter Choice Sparks Controversy
While many praised Shadow for rescuing Artemis, others criticized the decision to bring her to the Linda McNatt center, which some online users labeled a “kill shelter.”
Commenters referenced a past case involving a dog named Gunner, who was euthanized after being brought to the facility — an incident previously acknowledged by the shelter’s director in reporting by CBS News.
The criticism sparked heated debate, though others pointed out that municipal shelters often face overcrowding and limited resources, and that bringing animals there can still be the fastest path to adoption.
Hope Grows for Artemis’ Future
As Artemis’ story spread, many users expressed interest in adopting her, offering to step in if the shelter makes her available.
For now, the once-abandoned cat is safe, sheltered, and surrounded by people advocating for her future — a hopeful turn after what many called an unforgivable act of neglect.
If you’re interested in adoption, rescue advocacy, or have thoughts on pet abandonment laws, share your perspective and follow more community stories at CabarrusWeekly.com.
