Working Cats - Anderson Humane

Working Cat Program

Anderson Humane’s Working Cat program exists to provide homes for cats that are not suitable for a traditional indoor home. These cats thrive in settings like barns, stables, and warehouses where they can interact with humans on their own terms!

Adopting a working cat is a mutually beneficial partnership. Caretakers provide a stable source of shelter, food, and water and the cats provide an eco-friendly form of pest control!

What is a Working Cat?

Working Cats are typically feral or unsocialized cats that are unable to return to their previous outdoor home. These cats may be happy living in close proximity to people, but will avoid being touched or approached. When they are placed into barn-type settings, they “work” by controlling rodent populations.

Where do the cats work?

Working Cats are looking for jobs at the following types of locations:

Farms / Barns
Stables / Horse Stalls
Warehouses / Factories
Stores / Workshops
Breweries / Wineries
Greenhouses / Nurseries

What do Working Cats require?

Working Cats require daily access to shelter, food, and clean water. Veterinary care should be provided as needed. We make sure that our working cats are spayed/neutered, microchipped, up-to-date on vaccines, dewormed, and given flea/tick prevention before they leave! We will walk you through the process of introducing your working cat to their new home.

How much is the adoption fee?

There is no fee to adopt a Working Cat from our program. However, we welcome your donations as this helps us to offset the costs of vet care and supplies for our program.

Apply Here!

Working Cat Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have any kittens or friendly cats available to become working cats?

No, our working cats are feral or unsocialized adult cats that are not suitable as indoor pets.

What do I do when I first bring the cats home?

When you bring new cats home, they will need to go through a relocation protocol that involves a 2-4 week confinement period. Cats can be kept in an escape-proof room, garage, or XL dog crate with food, water, and a litter box while they acclimate to their new surroundings. After the confinement period has ended, the cats can be released and allowed access to the rest of the property. This protocol helps decrease the chances that cats will wonder or get lost.

Will I be responsible for future vaccinations?

All cats will be current on vaccinations when they are adopted from Anderson Humane. After adoption, you will be responsible for keeping your working cat up to date on vaccinations.

Are two cats better than one?

Yes, cats are social animals who will form bonds with other cats around them. Keeping multiple working cats reduces wandering and provides cats with a sense of security!

Will working cats get along with my poultry, livestock, and horses?

Yes, working cats co-exist well with other animals on the farm. Chicken and other types of poultry are too large to be considered prey by well-fed cats!