How We Work
North Texas Barn Cats provides all necessary kenneling equipment for the acclimation period. Equipment typically includes a kennel run (minimum size 6 ft L × 2 ft W × 2 ft H), two gravity feeders (one for water and one for dry food), and a litter box. Large dog kennels may also be used.
Kenneling should be placed in an enclosed area protected from the weather. When this is not possible, the acclimation setup must be discussed and approved by your North Texas Barn Cats representative.
Cats remain confined for a minimum of two weeks. After two weeks, doors may be opened to allow exploration of a larger enclosed area. After an additional week, the cats are typically ready to access the outdoors.
Release dates and equipment return information are included in the Care Giver Contract. Once acclimation is complete and the cats return regularly for feeding, NTX-Barn Cats will arrange equipment pickup.
Adoption Process
Once the Care Giver Contract is signed, the barn cats are considered adopted. Key conditions include:
- Replacing provided equipment if damaged or lost
- Protecting cats from weather and predators during confinement
- Not surrendering cats to a shelter without contacting NTX-Barn Cats first
- Holding NTX-Barn Cats harmless from scratches, bites, or injuries
- Understanding that individual cat personalities are unknown
- Acknowledging that cats may not permanently remain at the location
Adoption Fee
There is no fee for adoption or placement. North Texas Barn Cats is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and gratefully accepts donations.
The average cost to fully vet a cat is approximately $65. This includes spay or neuter surgery, rabies vaccination, distemper vaccination (FVRCP), deworming, and flea treatment.
Donations also support kenneling equipment, feeding supplies, and transportation costs.
Safe Acclimation Tips
- Successful confinement periods range from 2 to 4 weeks
- Place kennels near hiding areas the cats can access after release
- Extended confinement (months) is unnecessary and harmful
- Feral cats may hiss or lunge — speak calmly and move slowly
- Always keep one hand on the crate door when opening it
- Use newspaper to line crates for easy cleaning
- Provide a hide box inside the crate
- Seal barn openings as best as possible during confinement
- If a cat escapes, leave food, water, and used litter nearby
- Talk softly or play a radio daily to acclimate cats to voices
- Provide warmth and light in cold weather if possible
- Keep cleaning supplies nearby for easy maintenance
- Introduce new cats slowly to established colonies
- After acclimation, cats generally coexist peacefully