Animal Welfare Professionals

We have had an active TNR program for four years, strictly TNR, no relocations. But sometimes citizens have their own traps and refuse Trap-Shelter-Return, so feral cats do end up in the shelter. In the past they were euthanized. For about a year I have been actively looking for barn homes and our kill rate for feral cats went down to zero. I am very proud of that. Now I am in the process of building an enclosure for the barn cats, to make their stay at the shelter less stressful. Officially we don't have a barn cat program, and I am reluctant to get the word out. I worry, that a lot of people with feral cats want them "go to good homes" and we will be flooded with ferals. The habitat is small, and barn cats are hard to place. Would like to hear experiences from shelters that  have an established working cat program.

Hi, Dorian. We have a working cat program and tell the public that it IS NOT OPEN ADMISSION. We try very hard not to accept feral cats, however, there are situations whereby they do enter the shelter. We maintain a working cat wish list, with names and contact info and the number of cats desired. The idea being that when we do receive unsocialized cats, they already have a positive outcome lined up for them. We do not want to shelter feral cats for a second longer than necessary, the wish list has been so helpful.  

Whitney, what are the criteria for accepting feral cats? And do you offer people "return to field" or "trap-shelter-return"?

Over the counter, we only accept feral cats if we feel they are in danger if we refuse them (or if they are sick or injured). If we don't have any barn homes waiting, we will return the cat to the field. Our officers can present a case that unsocialized cats should be admitted (usually I'll take the officer's word and approve it). This happens in the event of the death of a hoarder, or when legitimate property damage or public safety issue is taking place. Whenever possible, we will stagger the intake of the cats.

We don't offer sterilization services, but are working on a program to do it once a month to start.  

We also like to keep 10-12 cats outside on our property. 

how do you find barn homes? I have tried for years, but its very hard, we advertise on the radio, and social media, we do have an active TNR, and we really don't get that many ferals in, but when I do It seems the only choice is euthanasia!

I had some success with Craigslist ads, not in the pet section, but under "Farm and Garden". And like Whitney, I keep a list of people who want barn cats and are willing to wait until we have a pair. I placed cats in shops and garages too.

We put flyers at feed stores.

How do you set up the acclimation process to the barn cat relocations?  How long do you keep the cats confined, do you send a single cat to a barn home?  What age cat or cats do you consider appropriate for a good barn home placement?  For myself, I would confine for a minimum of 3 weeks and no more than 5 weeks.  I would set up a containment area where they can see the local activity from a safe distance and provide them with a place to hide should something scare them.  I think every placement and every barn is different so I would go see the area first before even building an acclimation area.  Its always better to put at least a bonded pair of cats in a barn home, and we find that kittens under 1 year do not do well in the placement.  Even in the best of circumstances there is a large chance that the cats may not stay, or will be killed by predators if they do not come from a rural area to being with.  Ideally 4 adult cats consisting of 2 bonded pairs.  What works for you all?

This is a great webinar on setting up a working cat program or improving an existing one. It should answer most of your questions. http://www.maddiesfund.org/working-cats-program.htm