Barn Cats

 

Barn Cat Adoption Program

Barn Cats: Independent, Hardworking, and In Need of a Home

Our barn cat adoption program gives unsocialized community cats a second chance in a safe outdoor environment. These cats are independent, self-sufficient, and not suited for indoor pet life.

What to Know About Barn Cats

  • Barn cats are not traditional pets and are best suited for barns, warehouses, farms, and other outdoor structures where they can live independently while providing natural pest control.
  • They are spayed/neutered and ear-tipped before adoption. Ear tipping is a painless procedure where the tip of one ear is surgically removed while the cat is under anesthesia. This universally recognized mark indicates that the cat has been altered and does not need to be trapped again.
  • Due to their nature, we do not schedule meet-and-greets for barn cats.
  • Barns and large properties can often support multiple cats, and we encourage adopting more than one cat at a time, though it is not required.

 

Adopter Requirements

  • Shelter: A warm, safe, and secure space that offers protection from harsh weather and predators.
  • Daily Care: Consistent access to food and fresh water every day. Barn cats cannot survive on hunting alone.
  • Medical Care: Future veterinary care as needed.
  • Acclimation Period: A secure room or enclosed space where the cat can be confined for 2-3 weeks with a litter box, food, water, and a soft place to rest. This time allows the cat to adjust to its new home before being released.

 

Get a Hardworking Feline Employee!

Adopting a barn cat means gaining a low-maintenance, pest-controlling, independent worker who asks for nothing more than food, shelter, and the freedom to roam. They’ll keep your rodent population in check while adding a touch of feline charm to your property. Who wouldn’t want a fierce little hunter with a heart of gold? Apply Today and give a barn cat the home (and job) they deserve!

Post-Adoption Care & Confinement

Barn cats need time to adjust to their new surroundings. Confining them for 2-3 weeks helps them become comfortable in their new home and prevents them from running away in search of their previous territory. Releasing them too early can lead to disorientation, making them more vulnerable to predators and other dangers.

Confinement Area Must Include:

  • The initial shelter must be fully secure, with no escape routes, such as holes in siding or open windows.
  • A large dog kennel or exercise pen covered with mesh wire can be used to contain the cat(s) safely.
  • Provide a section covered with a towel or sheet to help the cat feel protected.
  • After 2-3 weeks, the cat can be allowed to explore the property. Ideally, release them during clear weather conditions.
  • If the cat was originally crated, leave the crate available as a safe hiding or sleeping place for at least a week after release.

Integrating with Other Animals

Once the confinement period is over, your cat can be allowed to explore the property. The first release should ideally be in daylight so any issues can be monitored. A new environment can be overwhelming, so try to keep the property quiet and stress-free when the doors first open.

If other animals live on the property, your new cat will need time to adjust and learn to live harmoniously. Given enough time, most barn cats will coexist happily with other cats, dogs, farm animals, and even machinery like tractors and forklifts! Slow introductions and patience will help ensure a smooth transition for all animals involved.

Adoption Fees & Support

Adoption fees are waived for barn cats, but donations are vital to keeping this program running. Your generous support helps us continue to spay/neuter, vaccinate, and provide care for these hardworking kitties.

Barn Cat Application Here