Working cats, also referred to as “barn” or “business” cats, are cats that will more than likely not be successful in a home environment due to being not accustomed to direct human interaction as a result of under-socialization. While they may not always be wholly “feral”, they are not usually overly friendly to people, prefer to keep their distance, and do not enjoy being handled – but are able to co-exist happily if given a “job” like pest control in exchange for basic necessities like a warm and safe place to sleep, food, and water.
We also encourage those who have working cats to have at least two cats so they can provide each other companionship and warmth during colder months, which is important for the cats’ long-term health and happiness.
With this being said, all working cats have different personalities, so it is possible one may be more inclined to react with you in a friendly way than another. However, if you are interested in adopting a cat that you are hoping will live indoors with you as a cuddle buddy, please view our other adoptable cats who are better suited for a home environment.
Working Cats
In a perfect world, all cats would be happy to live in a home as a lap cat. However, we don’t live in a perfect world, and we all know cats make the rules here!
Our Working Cat Program covers cats that come into rescue but are not suited for an in-home environment due to under-socialization and/or an increased need to be outdoors with limited human interaction. Many times these specific cats are from trap-neuter-return (TNR) situations or are caught by well-meaning individuals who bring the animal inside, thinking it should live indoors like other companion animals.
Understanding Working Cats
Working cats, also referred to as “barn” or “business” cats, are cats that will more than likely not be successful in a home environment due to being not accustomed to direct human interaction as a result of under-socialization. While they may not always be wholly “feral”, they are not usually overly friendly to people, prefer to keep their distance, and do not enjoy being handled – but are able to co-exist happily if given a “job” like pest control in exchange for basic necessities like a warm and safe place to sleep, food, and water.
We also encourage those who have working cats to have at least two cats so they can provide each other companionship and warmth during colder months, which is important for the cats’ long-term health and happiness.
With this being said, all working cats have different personalities, so it is possible one may be more inclined to react with you in a friendly way than another. However, if you are interested in adopting a cat that you are hoping will live indoors with you as a cuddle buddy, please view our other adoptable cats who are better suited for a home environment.
Requirements for Adopters
While working cat adoptions are not considered typical, these cats are still deemed a form of companion animal and should be cared for accordingly. As such, Working Cat adopters will be required to provide their new cat with the following:
Working cats will require at least three weeks in a kennel or other safe enclosure in the area they will be housed in to acquaint themselves with what will be their new home. Fresh food and clean water should be administered in the kennel daily, along with freshly cleaned litter in a box for excrement. Once your kitty recognizes this area as their safe space, they should be allowed to roam as they would wish and will more than likely earn their keep by hunting down rodents!
Working Cat Care
No Working Cats available? We can save your information for next time! If you think a Working Cat would be perfect for your property, please reach out to us at info@ruffstartrescue.org to be put on our potential Working Cat adopter list.