Welcome to HSIMC's Working Cat Program

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HSIMC's  working cat program, also known as barn cats, is an alternative placement program providing adoption success for cats who have behavioral challenges and are more appropriately placed in alternative environments where they can thrive. Alternative environments may include a semi-outdoor home on a property such as a working farm or barn building, but they can also be feed stores, plant nurseries, warehouses, factories, workshops, breweries, churches, artist studios, offices, and any other property suited for independent-minded cats. “Barn cat” usually refers to cats who live mostly outdoors and naturally help control the rodent population on a property.

HSIMC adopted this program in 2021 and we've had great success. While we do not specifically intake felines for the program, it has helped find placement for cats in the shelter who are struggling to adjust or who will not be good traditional adoption candidates. 

These cats receive the same level of care all our cats receive, they will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and will receive any needed medical care before being adopted. 

To adopt a working cat means to commit to being the primary caregiver for the cat for the rest of its life, providing shelter, food, water and medical care. The cat will temporarily live in an extra-large crate or enclosed space on the property for two weeks to acclimate to it’s new home before being allowed to roam free on the property. Ideally, you should release the cats when the weather is clear (no rain or snow) so that they can explore in comfort. If the cats were originally housed in a crate, leave the crate in the area as a safe place to hide or sleep for at least a week. Continue to leave food and water out for the cats. They will need routine yearly vaccines, regular flea & tick preventative, and medical care as needed.