Working Cats

Barn cats and working cats are the perfect pest control specialists! They aren’t typically social with people, but they have lived outside all of their lives and are excellent hunters. This makes them a great addition to any farm, ranch, or home that tends to have mice and other rodents. All of the cats placed as working cats will be spayed or neutered and have received vaccines at the time of their surgery.

Requirements for receiving a barn cat:

Be able to provide some sort of shelter like a barn, shed, garage, or cat house
Be committed to keeping the cat confined for 4-6 weeks in a cage, room, or building (referred to as the acclimation period)
Feed the cat at least once daily even after the acclimation period
Provide the cat with clean, fresh water at all times
Be willing to trap the cat in the event that it needs any medical attention

Step 1: Fill out the request form

Fill out the request form and wait for us to find the best cat for you. A large majority of our working cats are not social with people, but will not attack or be mean towards people unless provoked. We strive to connect homes with the best working cat for them, however, we cannot guarantee a cats personality will remain the same (ie: we try to find a semi-friendly cat, but once in the new home they aren’t as social as in their previous home). We highly encourage adopting two or more cats from the same location to give them something familiar and a friend to play and snuggle with.

Step 2: Set up the acclimation space.

A large majority of our working cats are not social with people, but will not attack or be mean towards people unless provoked. We strive to connect homes with the best working cat for them, however, we cannot guarantee a cats personality will remain the same (ie: we try to find a semi-friendly cat, but once in the new home they aren’t as social as in their previous home). We highly encourage adopting two or more cats from the same location to give them something familiar and a friend to play and snuggle with.

Step 3: Receive the cat and bond.

As mentioned above, this acclimation period is the most important time. During these 4-6 weeks, feed the cat regularly, scoop the litter daily, speak gently to the cat, and try to acclimate them to the sounds of the new home. A highly enticing food (such as canned food, tuna, squeeze treats) will help encourage the cat to eat and be more happy to see you. This regular feeding schedule will help the cat establish a schedule and stick around the area once released.

Step 4: Release the cat after the acclimation period has passed.

The 4-6 weeks have finally passed, and the cat has earned its freedom! Do not force the cat to leave their confined space, but leave the door open for them to explore when they are ready. Continue feeding on the same schedule and don’t disturb the confinement space until the cat no longer uses it. Make sure the cat has somewhere safe to escape the weather or any potential predators such as a barn or cat house.

Step 5: Enjoy pest control in the form of an adorable kitty!

It may take a little while for the cat to start to feel comfortable in their new home and be more adventurous. The regular feeding schedule, trying to stick to the regular day business, and not trying to force the cat to come out or do anything it doesn’t want to do (unless needed for safety reasons) will help the cat feel more comfortable. Feeding the cat will NOT reduce the likelihood of it hunting the rodents but will instead give it the energy to do so in addition to giving it a reason to hang around.

Further resources:

https://shadowcatstnr.org/barn-cat-acclimation-process

https://www.barncatbuddies.org/barn-cat-protocols