Barn Buddies ...

Working Cat Program


Many times Simcoe and District Humane Society have cats that are rescued, surrendered or brought in that don't fit in to a family or household environment and would not be happy living in homes. 

They may be older strays, ferals or barn cats. When people bring them to the shelter, they want their stray or barn cat numbers reduced and although spaying or neutering helps stop the population it doesn't reduce the numbers instantly so these cats are left at the shelter.

Simcoe and District Humane Society is looking for cat lovers who have a working barn, shops, warehouse, or property owners who need “working cats” for their nice warm buildings and  are interested in adopting our cats that are not suitable for life inside a house or are unhappy living inside.

These cats may be scared, feral/semi-feral, or simply unsuitable to live with people or in a home setting. This program is designed to find homes for cats that would traditionally be deemed un-adoptable through “normal” adoption procedures.

Cats in the barn cat program fall into three categories:
  • Cats whose litter box habits make them unsuitable for house pets, and they show suitability to be an outdoor cat.  (These cats will have been to the vets and tested negative for any type of Urinary Disease or infection.)
  • Cats that are scared/shy/fearful of people, are healthy, and prefer the company of other cats and animals.
  • Cats that are feral/semi-feral and have come from an outdoor setting.
There are great reasons for adopting a Barn Buddy or "Working Cats".
  1. You will be saving a life and providing a cat a warm and safe place to live.
  2. They will help keep your rodent population down and deter other stray cats from moving in.
  3. These cats are already spayed/neutered so you won't have to worry about endless litters of kittens!
  4. AND they will be tested for FiV/Felv negative, vaccinated to date, dewormed, flea treated and microchipped.
HOW TO ADOPT A BARN BUDDY OR "Working Cat"


Fill out a Barn Cat Application here or at the Shelter.
A staff or volunteer may visit the location to ensure it is appropriate for barn cats. In some cases pictures of the barn/shop will be requested instead.
Due to the nature of the program, 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 Cat Program will fluctuate.

PLEASE NOTE:
– THE BARN BUDDY PROGRAM IS ONLY FOR THOSE ANIMALS THAT ARE UN-ADOPTABLE TO HOMES AND ARE OVER 6-7 MONTHS (unless they are truly feral)
– If cats are deemed able to live together with other cats we would ask that 2 cats be placed at the same location to keep them company.  We will determine if they can co-exist prior to adoption.
– A secure, dry barn, shop or building for shelter with heat source is required.
– As a non-profit organization our cost to adopt a Barn Buddy is $100.  We appreciate donations above this to help cover the cost of the spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations and other care.
– The commitment and ability to keep the cats confined to a stall, small room, or crate for 2-4 weeks (depends on the cats and the barn) to acclimate them to their new environment before release.
– A constant supply of dry food and fresh water (and a littering area).
– The willingness to trap the cats to provide licensed veterinary care in the event of a severe injury or illness and for their yearly checkups and vaccinations.

WHAT WILL Simcoe and District PROVIDE?
All cats will be in good health and have had a brief, general exam by a vet.
All cats will be spayed or neutered and microchipped prior to placement.
All cats will have been tested negative for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and Felv (Feline leukemia)
All cats will be dewormed and vaccinated for rabies and feline respiratory viruses including panleukopenia.

Check out our Barn Buddies in Care

Please make sure you are checking the Stage of the animal below.  Some cats and kittens will not be part of the Barn Buddy program - They may have become tame pets!


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