“I adopted working cat Olwen … and thought you might enjoy an update.
He loves our two other horse-barn cats. Olwen adjusted really well and enjoys roaming the barn and playing with his barnmates, Jordy and Bandit. He makes us laugh every day, and he also loves to go mousing!”
Abbey M.
Working Cat Adopter
“We have two barn cats from the Wisconsin Humane Society and are about to get two more! They do a wonderful service providing working cats that are fixed, healthy, and won’t reproduce! I would highly HIGHLY recommend getting your barn kitties from this program! (The pic is Ana, one of our girls!)”
Grace G.
Working Cat Adopter
“I love our working cats. They greet me every morning in the barn. Some we can touch, some prefer to keep their distance, but all are great mousers and definitely keep our rodent population to a minimum.
The Wisconsin Humane Society has a fantastic Working Cat program!”
Natalie Z.
Working Cat Adopter
What is a working cat?
When a social, healthy cat comes to WHS, they go into our adoption program to find a new home. There are some cats who are simply fearful of new situations, and they too go into our adoption program in search of patient adopters. Then, there are the cats who are deeply under-socialized, truly want nothing to do with people, and they get extremely stressed when confined; those are our working cats (also known as “barn cats”). These cats cannot be house pets but thrive in a “working” environment where they can patrol a barn, stable, outbuilding, shed, or even a warehouse. They get to live a fulfilling life with a family who cares for them, and you get a rodent-free property!
Working cat traits
Generally speaking, barn cats/working cats are independent and prefer to limit their interactions with humans. However, the degree to which they keep their distance varies from cat to cat and may change over time. Even those who prefer to keep their distance may grow close with their caregiver after positive encounters with people. They often develop strong bonds with other animals, reducing their desire to roam, which is why the Wisconsin Humane Society recommends that at least two cats be placed together.
Adoption Fee
You get to name your own adoption fee! The following services are provided to all working cats prior to becoming available for adoption:
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Ear-tipping
- FeLV testing
- Microchipping
- Vaccinations
We also provide detailed information on how to successfully acclimate them to their new environment.
What you provide
Adopters must provide their outdoor cats with:
- Shelter in a barn, outbuilding, stable, warehouse, business, or other structure
- Daily food and water
- Veterinary care, as needed
- A secure, indoor place to keep them for the first 4-6 weeks while they acclimate to their new environment (this can be a tack room, large crate, or any indoor enclosure)
Resources and advice
Whether you’re still considering adoption or are ready to take home some working cats of your own, we strongly encourage you to read through our Working Cat Care & Relocation Guide. This provides step-by-step instructions when preparing for your new arrivals, helping them get acclimated during their initial confinement phase, and building strong bonds to keep them returning to their new home.
If you ever need support – whether you’ve had your cats for 5 days or 5 years – our behavior experts are always here for you. Simply email behavior@wihumane.org or call 414-431-6173 support.
How to adopt
If you are ready to start your search for a pair of working cats, please:
- Complete a Working Cat Interest form
- Fill out an Adopter Profile
Once completed, a WHS staff member will follow up with you as soon as we’re able. Thank you so much for your interest; we look forward to working with you!