Working Cat Program

Animal Humane’s Working Cat program seeks to provide a perfect home for cats whose temperament is not ideal for typical house pet adoption. These may be feral cats who cannot be returned to their original location through our Trap-Neuter-Return program or fractious cats with experience living outdoors. Working Cats, like all adoptable pets at Animal Humane, are examined by our Donor-subsidized Veterinary Clinic Team, spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. Working Cat applicants are pre-screened to ensure an ideal adoption match between each cat and his or her new family.

Working Cat Application

Click here to apply for a Working Cat

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Working Cat?

A Working Cat is a feral or fractious cat whose temperament is not ideal for typical house pet adoption. These cats are usually former street cats who are comfortable outdoors and typically prefer little to no human contact. They are healthy, spayed/neutered, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations.

What Is the Working Cat Adoption Fee?

Working Cat adoption fees are donation-based. Your contribution will allow the successful placement of future Working Cats.

Are Working Cats Sterilized?

Yes. All Working Cats are sterilized, microchipped and vaccinated.

What Do Working Cats Need?
  • Working Cats require a permanent structure such as a barn, shed, stable or garage so that they have a safe and secure place to rest.
  • Daily food and water must be provided. Please note that providing food does not impede hunting and that Working Cats do not always consume rodents/mice; rather, their presence, and the pheromones they emit, deters unwanted pests.
  • Confinement for an acclimation period of 2-4 weeks is essential to ensure that Working Cats transition successfully into their new space.
  • Working Cats require veterinary care as needed and any follow-up vaccinations & annual licensing/registration. Click here for our list of recommended veterinary practices highly skilled in treating feral and fractious cats.
Can I Choose My Own Working Cat?

We do not allow adopters to choose their own Working Cat. We strive to fit cats into the environment best suited for their needs.

Follow-Up

We will conduct three follow-up surveys with all Working Cat adopters, consisting of three short questions. These will take place 1-month, 3-months and 1-year after adoption. The answers you share will aid the future success of our Working Cat program.

 

Other Resources

Working Cat Acclimation Protocol

Feral Cat Friendly Clinics

Testimonials

Thank you, Adrianne and the Working Cat program, for delivering Breeze to me. Breeze, now named Acie, was placed with me two weeks ago and she is now allowed out of her acclimation space. She has been enjoying the many places to climb and hide around the barn as well as enjoying all the mice! She is an adorable kitten and I hope she enjoys working in my barn for years to come.

Mallory

My two working cats Kelly & Klause are the best. The support from Animal Humane’s Working Cat program, and the loan of some crates, made this a seamless transition. As of today, our two new cats have eradicated the mice and are giving the rats marching orders, too. I can’t say enough good things about your program.

Denise