Barn Cat Program
When Paws Crossed Animal Rescue rescues poorly socialized and feral cats from other shelters, we sometimes have to consider non-traditional adoption placement. The PCAR Barn Cat Program was instituted in 2021 and was designed to help a specific population of cats – those who may not be comfortable living in a traditional home setting, but would be incredibly helpful and happy as working cats to local homeowners, landowners, and businesses who have a need for pest control. We believe that these cats don’t deserve to die simply because they can’t go into a typical home environment. We recognize that they deserve shelter, access to food and water, and the stimulation of critter hunting that a barn placement provides.
This innovative program serves as their only live path out of impoundment, as these cats cannot be adopted as traditional pets, are not eligible for Trap-Neuter-Return, and, for one reason or another, cannot be returned to their original outdoor habitat, which is always preferable.
Instead, these cats are sterilized, vaccinated, microchipped, and adopted to families who appreciate working cats for critter patrol and can provide a safe, appropriate environment such as a barn, stable, garage, or warehouse. This way, these cats enjoy safe outdoor homes with shelter and a caregiver and adopters enjoy having healthy, sterilized cats happily tend to their mouse, snake, or vermin troubles.
Interested in adopting a barn cat and housing some of PCAR’s most lovable free spirits?
Barn Cat Program FAQs
What do I do when I bring a barn cat(s) home?
When you bring the new cats home, they will need to be confined to an escape-proof room or enclosure like a tack room, garage, coop, or XXL dog crate for 2-4 weeks while they acclimate to their new surroundings. You will feed/water and clean the litter pan daily during the confinement period. After this period of confinement, the cats will usually accept their new home and may be released. You will continue to provide daily food and water and allow them access to shelter such as your barn or garage.
Are they spayed or neutered?
Yes. All barn cats come spayed or neutered, current on vaccinations, microchipped, treated for worms and fleas, and tested for feline leukemia.
Will I be responsible for future veterinary care?
Any cat you adopt from PCAR will be current on vaccinations. Following adoption, you will be responsible for keeping the animals’ vaccinations up to date. The best way to have feral cats vaccinated is with the use of a live humane trap, such as a Havahart.
Do you have any friendly barn cats?
No; the cats in the barn cat program are not social, friendly cats or suited to be pets. They have no desire to be “lap cats” and cannot be touched, or may take a very long time to trust enough to pet. We strongly encourage adopters to offer cats in this program an independent outdoor life complemented by appropriate care and shelter like a barn or garage.
What do barn cats require?
The cats require shelter in a permanent building or structure like a barn, shed, stable, or garage in a suitable rural area where they will be safe. The property should be at least .5 miles away from busy roads. Daily food and water must be provided, as well as any future medical care needed. The cats must also be kept confined for the initial 2-4 week relocation period to ensure a successful transition to their new home.