Working Cats Program

Do you have a Barn, Stable, Garage, or Warehouse?

Are you looking for eco-friendly, inexpensive pest control? A Working Cat may be for you!

Many cats are brought to the Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County that are not suitable to be adopted as pets. These are under-socialized or feral cats who have likely spent the majority of their life living outdoors. Being confined in a shelter is very stressful to these cats and a traditional home would not result in a happy, comfortable life.

Cats in the program are made available to households or business owners that may benefit from inexpensive pest control or have a suitable area for the cats to thrive.

Feral, under-socialized, or friendly cats that prefer to live outdoors or are otherwise unsuitable for a traditional home, are made available for the program. Cats in the program usually do not prefer human interaction.
Cats in the the program are typically not social towards people and are not able to be viewed prior to adoption. Movement and handling of the cats will likely cause an unnecessary increase in stress level. Intake of cats that qualify for the program is unknown; therefore, requesting a specific breed, gender, or personality is not feasible.

Kittens less than 5 months are not adopted out as working cats. Young kittens do not have the skills necessary to survive outdoors. Additionally, young kittens may still be able to be socialized and adopted into traditional homes.

We do ask for a $15 donation to help offset the costs associated with vaccines, testing, and spay or neuter surgery.
Cat with left ear tip All cats are spayed or neutered prior to being adopted. Additionally, most cats have tested negative for Feline Leukemia, receive an FVRCP vaccine and are vaccinated for rabies. In most cases, Working cats will also be ear-tipped. Ear tipping is a universal method of identifying outdoor cats that have been sterilized.

All animals, including working cats, adopted from the Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County are current on vaccinations. You will be responsible for future vaccinations and any other healthcare needs the cat may require. The best way to transport an under-socialized/feral cat to a veterinarian is by utilizing a live humane trap.

Working cats will require a 2 – 4 week transition period (2 weeks minimum; 4 weeks preferred). During this time the cat must be confined to small area, room, stall, or large dog crate inside the barn or building that will serve as the cat’s permanent shelter. 

You will be required to care for the cat daily while confined, providing fresh food and water and a clean litterbox. This will help the cat acclimate to his or her new surroundings and learn where they can expect food, increasing the chances that the cat will remain on the property. 

After the transition period, the cat can be released. He or she must be provided with fresh food and water daily and have free access to shelter. 

Interested in adopting a working cat?

Due to the unknown intake of cats that are suitable for the program, we may or may not have cats immediately available. After completing the application, you will be contacted regarding the current availability of working cats. If cats are not available, your application will remain on file and you can be contacted when cats suitable for the program become available.
COMPLETE AN APPLICATION