ABOUT THE WORKING CAT PROGRAM
On occasion, we come across cats who are feral or semi-feral and prefer to live outside, but are unable to be returned to their prior home. Rather than live in our sanctuary forever, we aim to place them as Working Cats, where they can roam, hunt, play, and live their lives.
Working Cats are not suitable for traditional adoption, as they are feral and unsocialized to humans. Many organizations euthanize feral cats for space, but we keep them for as long as it takes to find them a Working Cat placement.
Working Cats come spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and tested for feline diseases, and they are adopted to families who appreciate Working Cats just as they are and can provide a safe, appropriate environment such as a barn, stable, shed, or garage. In return, Working Cats provide natural pest control and a different type of companionship!
THE ADOPTION PROCESS
Our cats are housed in our sanctuary, along with friendly, adoptable cats, while they await placement as a Working Cat.
Once a Working Cat application is submitted, we review it carefully and select the best pair (or more) of cats for the situation. We typically prioritize cats who have been with us the longest or are less comfortable at the sanctuary. While you can submit preferences for your Working Cats, we generally choose the cats for our adopters. In almost all situations, Working Cats must be adopted in pairs.
Most of our Working Cats and their assigned partners can be viewed here.
Adopters are required to commit to a minimum four-week acclimation period to help the cats adjust to their new surroundings. We can provide an acclimation setup in its entirety, or we can fill in the gaps if you already have some supplies (mainly, a large wire dog crate or similar enclosure).
If you're ready to hire your Working Cats, please submit the following application and we will be in touch soon.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ADOPT WORKING CATS?
Working Cats are free to adopt, but we do graciously accept donations to help support our rescue efforts.
WHAT ARE THE CATS LIKE?
Working Cats are those that are unsuitable for traditional adoption, and most of them are not handleable or friendly towards us. Previous adopters of Working Cats have told stories of their cats becoming more friendly and trusting towards them as time goes on. It's best to allow them time to be comfortable and develop their own personalities.
WHY DO WORKING CATS HAVE TO BE ADOPTED IN PAIRS?
Working Cats find their comfort in other cats, rather than people. Having a feline friend will lower the likelihood that your Working Cat will run off, and it will keep them happier over the long-term.
WHAT VETTING HAVE THE CATS HAD?
All Working Cats have been spayed or neutered, received at least one rabies vaccine and 2 FVRCP vaccines, been dewormed and deflead, microchipped, and tested for FIV/FeLV.
HOW DO I HANDLE REGULAR VETERINARY CARE FOR WORKING CATS?
The level of veterinary care you can provide depends largely on the cats. If the cats become handleable and friendly, veterinary care would be similar to that of a housecat: annual vaccines, regular vet visits, and treatment for illnesses or injuries. If the cats remain feral and do not accept handling, it is most important to prioritize veterinary care for major illnesses or injuries. There are mobile vets who may be able to come to your property and examine the cats in their safe space, rather than taking them to an unfamiliar situation.