What is a working cat?

Working cats (also called ‘farm cats’) can either be feral, or semi-feral cats, or cats whose temperament means they are unsuited to living in a home, and need a more independent lifestyle to thrive.
Ideal homes for these types of cats are: farms, stables, rural homes with space for an outdoor shelter, or businesses with large outdoor spaces such as garden centres.
Some of these cats will be fearful of humans and will not want to interact with people, and others may choose to interact occasionally and on their own terms.
We assess the cat’s behaviour in their previous home, and their temperament within the shelter or a foster home to decide if a cat would be suited to this type of home.

Benefits of adopting a working cat

Taking on a working cat can have great benefits to both you and the cat. The cat acts as a deterrent to rodents, and it can be rewarding for owners to provide a cat with an ideal home, and to watch them thrive. The cats get a second chance at living a happy life where they can express their natural behaviour in a home that meets all their needs, without any pressure to interact with people.

What do working cats need from their owners?

Working cats need food, water, a warm, dry and enclosed shelter, someone to keep an eye on them, and a sufficiently large and enriching outdoor area for them to explore.

• The cat’s sheltered area must be secure as the cat will have to spend the first few weeks inside as they settle in and adjust to their new home and routine, they will then need to be able to freely come and go from it once they are settled. Examples include a barn, stable or large shed area, and must offer the cat privacy, as most of these cats will not want to be in close proximity to people

• Each cat needs at least half an acre of personal territory, including plenty of vegetation to provide an enriched environment. If you plan on taking on a group or pair of working cats, more space is required, to allow them to have space of their own if they choose

• Working cats need a twice daily supply of food and water for adult cats (more regular feeds for kittens). To encourage them to stay in the area, it is vital to keep feeding them. Feeding them will not reduce their effectiveness as ‘pest control’ as a cat’s presence is usually a good deterrent for pests, and cats have a natural instinct to hunt regardless of whether they are hungry or not.