Barn & Working Cat Adoption: How it works
Adopting a barn cat from Laramie Animal Welfare Society is a wonderful opportunity to save a life and benefit from effective rodent and pest control.
Due to the nature of our TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return/Relocate) Program, the availability of barn cats may vary. We may not have suitable cats available immediately but will try to fill your request as soon as possible. We will maintain a waiting list, as the number of cats available as candidates for the Barn & Working Cat Program fluctuate. Filling out an application is the first step to adopting. We sincerely appreciate your patience as we work diligently to ensure that the right cats find the right homes
About our Barn Cats
Cats chosen for our Barn & Working Cat Program typically fall into two main categories.
- The first category includes feral or semi-feral cats that prefer independence and may not enjoy traditional home environments.
- The second category includes cats that are timid or fearful of humans, used to living in colonies, and enjoy the companionship of other cats and animals.
Please note that we do not place cats that are better suited to be house pets as barn cats. Kittens under 6 months old are generally not accepted, unless they are feral/semi-feral with little chance of becoming socialized. In such cases, exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
To ensure a successful placement, a minimum of two cats must be placed together at the same location, unless there is already another neutered barn cat on the property or if a specific cat qualifies for an exception. The move will be less traumatic and adjustment to their new home easier if they have the security of one or more trusted companions. We will carefully assess their ability to coexist peacefully before finalizing the placement.
What LAWS will provide
What you will need to provide
- All cats will be spayed or neutered prior to placement
- All cats will be vaccinated, microchipped, and ear-tipped.
- We will provide detailed instructions on safely confining, releasing and maintaining the barn cats in their new home
- A warm, safe, and dry barn or structure where the cats can comfortably spend their days.
- A commitment and the ability to keep the cats in a crate or exercise pen with a wire top for four to five weeks to help them adjust to their new surroundings before releasing them.
- Maintaining a clean litter box, scooping and/or cleaning it daily while the cats are confined.
- Ensuring a continuous supply of dry food and fresh water.
- During confinement and a short period after release, offering a small amount of canned food daily because, let’s face it, what cat can resist that?
- Taking on the responsibility of monitoring and ensuring the safety and well-being of the cats as their caretaker.
- Dedicating time each day to engage in verbal interactions with the cats to help them become familiar with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Confine for 4-5 Weeks?
Initially, it’s important to keep cats confined in their new home for at least four to five weeks so they can get used to the surroundings and stay on the property. While there are rare cases of cats staying even if they escape at first, most cats tend to run away and will never return. This is not only risky for the cat but can also be distressing for the caregiver who has invested time, effort, money, and care into the cat.
Some people may find confinement harsh, but it’s a necessary part of the relocation process. Not confining the cats and letting them roam freely could lead to worse outcomes for them. It’s worth noting that during the initial days, cats may try to find an escape, but they usually settle down in the crate after a day or two when they realize they are in no danger.
How Should I Confine the Cats?
The adopter needs to have an extra-large dog crate or a large exercise pen covered with mesh wire (supplies may be provided by LYFF for free). These items must be returned to LYFF after the four to five week confinement. The adopter should also provide the cats with a daily scooped or cleaned litter box, constant access to dry food and fresh water, and a daily portion of canned food. It’s suggested to cover a part of the cage/crate with a sheet for the cats to feel more secure and hidden.
During winter, the small crate should be lined with thick towels or straw, and the caregiver may consider placing bales of straw around the enclosure to keep the confined cats warm. In freezing weather, fresh water must be provided throughout the day, and devices to prevent freezing can be purchased with assistance from LYFF. In summer, proper ventilation is crucial to prevent overheating as cats can become overheated.
What Happens After Confinement?
- If your crates are set up in an enclosed barn or structure: Close all doors and windows at night. Open the crate door in the evening and let the cats explore their new surroundings, as they are nocturnal. By morning, they will likely find hiding places, though they may still prefer the security of the crate. Ease the transition by placing their food and water in the crate for a few days with the door open. Continue providing daily food and water. After 1-2 days, or when you feel the cats are accustomed to the enclosure, open the barn/enclosure door early in the morning and allow the cats to walk out on their own.
- If your cats are in an enclosure but not confined in crates: Choose a day when you’ll be home all day. Release them early in the morning when the sun is up by simply opening the enclosure door and allowing them to come out on their own. Keep their enclosure set up the same way indefinitely, or at least untouched for a minimum of 1-2 weeks; it’s their safe zone, and they will keep coming back to it. Keep feeding them in the enclosure and gradually introduce feeding in the new area if applicable. Ensure they receive wet food in the morning and night when released. Avoid releasing them in rainy conditions or the day before or after rain.
What if they don't like their new home?
They will appreciate the regular food and water you offer (as cats cannot rely solely on catching mice). They might even start displaying affection. Patience is crucial for their successful adjustment to the sights, sounds, and smells of their new environment. Keep speaking softly, try hand-feeding treats, and leave a radio on to help them acclimate to human voices and music.
Additional Tips
- Remember that cats are territorial animals. They will usually maintain a home base once their scent has been established, a continuous food source is provided, and they feel safe.
- Postpone your release from confinement if it is raining or there is threat of rain. Rain will wash away a cat’s scent making it difficult for them to find their way back home. Wait for better weather; an extra day won’t matter. Keep the crates for five more days, allowing cats to return if they wish. After release, we hope they consider the barn home and choose to stay.