What is the Barn Cat Program?
The Fix West Texas Barn Cat Program began in the Fall of 2020 and was designed to help a specific population of cats – those who may not be comfortable living in a traditional home setting, but would be happy living as working cats for local homeowners, landowners, and businesses who have a need for pest control. We believe that these cats don’t deserve to die simply because they can’t go into a typical home environment. We recognize that they deserve shelter, access to food and water, and the stimulation of critter hunting that a barn placement provides.
Our barn cats come from the euthanasia list of animal control, and this innovative program serves as their only live path out of impoundment, as these cats cannot be adopted as traditional pets, are not eligible for Trap-Neuter-Return, and, for one reason or another, cannot be returned to their original outdoor habitat, which is always preferable.
Without this program, these feral cats would be euthanized at local animal control facilities.
Instead, these cats are sterilized, vaccinated, microchipped, and adopted to families who appreciate working cats for critter patrol and can provide a safe, appropriate environment such as a barn, stable, garage, or warehouse. This way, these cats enjoy safe outdoor homes with shelter and a caregiver and adopters enjoy having healthy, sterilized cats happily tend to their mouse, snake, or vermin troubles. Our Barn Cat Program is a win-win for both the cats and the adopters!
What do I do when I bring the cats home?
Do you have any friendly barn cats?
Yes, some of the cats in our barn cat program are somewhat social. However, they are not suited to live inside or be extensively handled. They should be handled carefully and on their own terms, as they have had very limited interaction with humans. They have no desire to be lap cats or pets. We strongly encourage adopters to offer cats in this program an independent outdoor life complemented by appropriate care and shelter like a barn or garage.
Do you have any barn kittens?
The youngest cats in the Barn Cat Program are approximately six months old. We will not adopt younger kittens as barn cats, as they don’t yet have the knowledge, size, or skills to remain safe outdoors. Most cats in the barn program are young adults between one and five years of age.
What do the barn cats require?
The cats require shelter in a permanent building or structure like a barn, shed, stable, or garage in a suitable rural area where they will be safe. The property should be at least .5 miles away from busy roads. Daily food and water must be provided, as well as any future medical care needed. The cats must also be kept confined for the initial 1-2 week relocation period to ensure a successful transition to their new home.
Can I come look at, or select, my barn cats?
The cats require shelter in a permanent building or structure like a barn, shed, stable, or garage in a suitable rural area where they will be safe. The property should be at least .5 miles away from busy roads. Daily food and water must be provided, as well as any future medical care needed. The cats must also be kept confined for the initial 1-2 week relocation period to ensure a successful transition to their new home.
