Barn Buddies: Cats In Need of Homes
Got Rats? Get Cats! These cats make ideal residents for farms, stables, barns, and other suitable locations such as garden centers, flower shops, wineries, and warehouses. These felines do a great job keeping the rodents, snakes, and bugs away...organic pest control! Scroll down for "the process".
Did you know that nearly 100% of feral cats are killed at our local shelters because they are not socialized to humans? If you have a suitable property or inside environment that can accommodate a couple of cats, please let us know.
The cats are spayed / neutered and vaccinated. You will be responsible for providing daily food, water, and shelter from the elements. The cats will need a 4-week period of adjustment. Guidance and help will be provided during the relocation process.
The clock is ticking for these cats. To adopt, please contact us right away by completing a BARN BUDDIES: Working Cats Application
What's The Process?
How Do I start the Process? Complete the Barn Buddies Application and a volunteer will call you within 3-5 business days. Once you submit your application to us, we request that you stick with us and see this through. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes-work that is going on even if we've not spoken yet.
The Important Phone Call - During the phone call, we'll ask questions to better understand your property, structures on the property, and your needs.
Tell Me About the Cats - The cats are pulled from Coweta County Animal Services. It is very rare that they don't have cats that are classified as "unadoptable" and these are the cats that are at risk of euthanasia if not saved by Whiskers-n-Paws.
Are the Cats "Fixed"? Oh yes! The cats are spayed or neutered and vaccinated prior to coming to your property. Once you commit to adopting a pair of barn cats, the volunteer contacts the shelter to make arrangements for the cats' surgery.
From One Jail to Another - If a suitable structure in not available at the property in which to house the cats during their 4-week acclimation period, we will deliver a 7-foot (loaner) cage set-up for the cats. This beats the 2 x 2 kennel at the shelter.
Supplies - We supply approximately 2 weeks' worth of kitty litter, dry and wet food. We also provide the litter box, scoop, food bowls, scratcher, Hidy-ho, and some toys. Yes, everything you need to get started!
Delivery Day - a volunteer will be in touch with you the week of the cats' surgery and set up a delivery date. Typically, the cats will have surgery on a Wednesday or Thursday, and then they will come to the property on Friday.
During the 4-Weeks - During the acclimation process, your job is to feed, water, and pooper-scoop 2x/day. You'll also what to chat with the cats so you can imprint on them. They need to know that you and your property are a good place to be and no-one is going to hurt them. You also need to feed them consistently on a schedule, so they understand that you're the best restaurant in town.
Coaching - We're available to answer any questions you may have during the acclimation period so don't worry, we've got your back!
Release Day - You will be given a release date where you'll open the door after breakfast and give the cats the opportunity to leave the enclosure. Note - you need to have other safe areas on the property for the cats to access / hang-out / seek shelter so they'll be more apt to stay.
Cleaning - The enclosure will be pick-up approximately 1-2 weeks after the release date. To avoid a cleaning fee, please dump the litter box and scrub it. Please do the same for the black trays in the bottom of the crates. All we ask if for a head-start on the cleaning.
