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Barn cats, or working cats, are cats who are not comfortable living indoors, but thrive in an outdoor environment. Sometimes these cats can be friendly, but for the most part they are semi-feral and feral cats who can't live indoors.
- They make great exterminators. Cats hunt for fun. Well-fed barn cats are sure to help keep your property mouse-free, and they're a great alternative to pesticides and harmful chemicals.
-They make great companions. Some of them might be scared of people, but they are often great companions to other cats and animals.
-They are low-maintenance. A barn cat should always be spayed/neutered. Other than that, all they require is shelter, food, yearly vaccines, and regular deworming and flea-preventative. They need very little and give a whole lot back.
-You are giving an animal in need a home. Most barn cats are stray or orphaned cats who have nowhere else to live. By giving these cats a home, you are saving their lives and giving them a purpose.
Step one: Create a safe place to establish routines.
- Confine the cats in a kennel for the first 3-4 weeks in their new home. Cover the top and side of the kennel so the cats aren't fully exposed.
- Include food, water, a litter box, and an area for the cats to hide in (cardboard box, covered bed). Also include things for entertainment during the acclimation period, like toys, scratchers, and hammocks.
- The kennel should be located in a tack room or stall, away from the elements. Depending on the time of year you are acclimating, you may need to be prepared with a way to keep your cats cool or warm. Such as fans, self-heating warming pads, straw, etc.
Step two: Maintain a routine and establish trust.
- Establish and maintain a routine with your cats while they're in the kennel for 3-4 weeks.
- Keep dry food and fresh water available in the kennel all day.
- Feed wet food once a day to help you bond and build trust with the cats. Use a verbal signal, like "Breakfast!" or "Here kitty!"
- Spend time talking and reading to the cats, but don't try to pick them up. Pets may be allowed depending on if the cat is friendly or feral. Above all you want to make sure the cats are comfortable before you try getting in their personal space.
**If a cat escapes from the kennel, set food and water out, as well as a blanket that has the cat’s scent. Once escaped, cats may hide for a short time, but they usually stay on the premises. Leave plenty of food and water out to encourage them to stay close.**
Step three: Release and provide ongoing care.
- After 3-4 weeks, open the kennel door, and allow for the cat to come out at it's own pace.
- Continue to provide food, water, and wet food in the kennel, according to the same schedule.
- Use your verbal signal so the cats know it's time to eat.
- Once the cats start finding their own spots to hide, the kennel can be removed and you can feed them in a more convenient location.
- If you let a barn cat loose too soon, the cat may run away and become lost in an unfamiliar environment. Giving them time to acclimate to the sights, sounds, smells, people and other animals in their new home makes them feel safer and provides a comfortable transition period. This transition period makes it more likely that the cat will stay on your property once they are free to explore on their own.
- Successful confinement periods range from 3-4 weeks. Holding them longer than that is unnecessary and can jeopardize the success of the relocation. If confined for too long, cats might run away from fear of being confined again.
- If your cats show signs of illness, you may need to trap them using a humane box trap and bring them to your vet for a checkup. Bonus points if the vet can come to you.
View our adoptable barn cats below! We have friendly, feral, old, young, and everything in between. Please message us with any questions. We're happy to work with you and pair you up with cats that will best suit your needs. Barn cats need to go in pairs of at least 2, except in the case that a cat doesn't get along with other cats.
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