Working Cats

LAWS places barn and working cats through our Trap-Neuter-Return program. Because availability depends on which cats come through TNR, it varies through the year and we keep a waiting list. Filling out an application is the first step, and it is how you get on that list.

About our barn cats

Cats in this program are typically feral or semi-feral cats who prefer their independence, or timid cats used to colony life who enjoy the companionship of other animals. We do not place cats better suited to being house pets as barn cats. To give a placement the best chance of working, a minimum of two cats are placed together unless there is already a neutered barn cat on the property.

A working cat is not a lesser adoption. These are cats who would not be safe or happy in a living room, placed somewhere they can do what they are good at, with someone who feeds them and looks out for them for the rest of their lives. Done properly, it is one of the most effective and humane rodent-control arrangements there is.

Read the requirements ↓

Before you apply

Barn & working cat requirements

A working cat placement asks more of you than an indoor adoption does. Here is all of it, before you apply.

Which cats we place

Feral or semi-feral cats who prefer their independence, and timid cats used to colony life who do better with other cats around.
We do not place cats who are better suited to being house pets as barn cats.
Kittens under six months are generally not placed as working cats, unless they are unsocialized ferals with little prospect of becoming house pets.
A minimum of two cats are placed together, unless there is already a neutered barn cat on the property or we agree on an exception.
Availability varies with our TNR program, so we keep a waiting list. Applying is how you get on it.

What LAWS provides

Spay or neuter before placement.
Vaccinations, a microchip, and an ear tip.
Written instructions for confining, releasing, and maintaining your cats.
Someone to call. We stay available after placement.

What you provide

A warm, safe, dry barn, shop, or other structure the cats can always get into.
A confinement crate or pen with a wire top for the first four to five weeks.
A litter box cleaned daily during confinement.
Dry food and fresh water available at all times, for the life of the cat.
A small portion of canned food daily, which is what builds the routine that keeps cats coming home.
Daily eyes on the cats, so you notice injury or illness early.
A little daily conversation. Talking to them each day is what turns a stranger into their person.

Confinement & release

Cats stay confined for four to five weeks. This is not optional. It is what stops a cat from bolting and what teaches them that your property is home.
Release on a dry day. Do not release in the rain, which washes away the scent markers a cat navigates by.
After release, leave the crate or pen up as a safe place to retreat to, and keep feeding in the same spot at the same time.
Expect the cats to hide at first. Keep the routine and they come back to it.