Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- Tell me more about Barn Cats
- Where are the cats housed during confinement?
- Why must cats be confined for 2–3 weeks?
- What is the difference between feral and friendly cats?
- Do you ever place friendly outdoor cats?
- What do you look for in a placement location?
- Why do you recommend placing cats in groups?
- Do you do property visits before placement?
- Have you ever declined a placement site?
- What is your stay rate?
For Cat Rescuers
- Why are placements limited by extreme weather?
- What medical care is required before intake?
- Are there low-cost spay/neuter clinics?
- Where can I find a feral-friendly veterinarian?
- Will you accept declawed cats?
- Will you pick up my cats?
- What colors or types of cats are accepted?
- Where are cats housed prior to placement?
- Can I visit cats after placement?
For Property Owners
- Do I need a barn?
- What locations are acceptable?
- What do I need to provide?
- Can I get kittens?
- Why must I provide food?
- Is there an adoption fee?
- Will cats bother chickens?
- Where are cats housed during acclimation?
- How do I handle fleas?
Tell me more about Barn Cats
Barn cats are adult feral or semi-feral cats, generally nine months or older. All cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies and distemper, treated for fleas and worms, and accompanied by medical documentation.
Do I need a barn?
Not necessarily. Cats have been successfully placed in barns, warehouses, sheds, garages, chicken coops, tack rooms, and similar structures.
What locations are acceptable?
We look for rural or semi-rural properties where someone lives on-site or visits daily to care for animals. Locations should be away from heavy traffic and provide shelter from weather.
Where are cats housed during confinement?
Cats are housed in custom-built pens or large wire kennels sized for the number of cats. Each enclosure includes food, water, litter, and hiding areas.
What do I need to provide?
Caregivers must provide food, fresh water, shelter, and daily monitoring. Heated water bowls are recommended in winter, and cats should always have hiding and resting areas.
Why is confinement required?
Confinement allows cats to acclimate and learn that your property provides food, shelter, and safety. This greatly increases the likelihood they will stay.
Feral vs. friendly cats
Feral cats avoid human interaction and thrive as independent outdoor cats. Friendly cats may seek human attention and are often placed as “Backyard Buddies.”
Do you place friendly cats?
Yes, when appropriate. Friendly cats may be placed in outdoor residential settings where they can receive care without living indoors.
Why are placements seasonal?
Cats must acclimate safely. Extreme heat or cold makes confinement unsafe without climate control, so placements pause during severe weather.
Can I get kittens?
We typically do not place kittens under nine months old due to safety and socialization concerns.
Why provide food?
While cats hunt, consistent food keeps them healthy and encourages them to remain on your property.
Is there an adoption fee?
There is no required fee, though donations are appreciated and help support our program.
Will cats bother chickens?
Cats may chase chicks but typically do not bother adult chickens.
Why place cats in groups?
Cats are social animals. Group placements have a higher success rate and help cats feel secure.
What is your stay rate?
Outcomes vary, but placement gives cats a chance at survival that shelter intake often does not.
How do I handle fleas?
Year-round flea prevention is essential. Many caretakers use food-grade diatomaceous earth as a practical solution for feral cats.