Barn Cat Adoption Program

Although the SPCA prioritizes placing cats with families in a home or apartment, some factors favour their placement in the country. These include when a cat

• has never had close contact with humans and their future socialization (at the shelter or elsewhere) does not seem probable,
• gets along well with other cats,
• has always lived outdoors, but cannot be released into its current colony,
• is in good health and not declawed.

• When cats arrive in a new place and have access to the outdoors, they must gradually adapt (otherwise, they might run away). It takes several weeks for them to understand that your barn or other building is their new home. They must get used to it by spending four to six weeks there in a safe, quiet spot, like in a very large dog crate with a litter box, bowls and toys.
• During this acclimation period, the cat should be fed twice a day. Ideally, they’ll get kibble in the morning and canned food in the evening (this will be positive reinforcement for coming home at night). A litter box with non-clumping litter should be kept clean and bowls should be washed regularly.
• Once the acclimation period is over, open the door to the crate and allow the cat to go in and out at they please for several days. Provide food and water in the crate during this time. You should then choose an appropriate permanent place for their bowls.

Although our barn cats have already been spayed or neutered and received basic care, you will need to provide annual veterinary follow-ups (vaccinations and deworming, for example), as well as visits to the vet as needed. This implies getting the cat used to the carrier or using a trap-cage to facilitate transportation to and from a veterinary clinic.