Finding cats a job & a better quality of life

What is a Working Cat?

(Working cats can also be referred to as Barn Cats or Business Cats)

Crossroads Working Cat Adoption Program is an alternative placement program. It’s more than just barn cat placement! It matches cats who have behavioral challenges and are not appropriate for our traditional adoption process with non-traditional homes and placements. Sometimes these are semi-outdoor homes 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.

What is the purpose of this adoption program?

The purpose of our program is to find placements for shelter cats who are difficult or impossible to place as traditional indoor house pets, usually for reasons such as lack of socialization, extremely high energy, or litter box issues that are not health related. Some are formerly outdoor, or indoor/outdoor cats that don’t have a home to return to and are not adjusting to indoor life. Finding placement for these cats is a challenge. In response to this problem, Crossroads is launching a program that places these cats in safe and loving alternative homes. While not a typical adoption, the program gives them what they want and need; safe and sheltered forever homes with less human interaction.

What care do these cats receive?

Cats in this program receive the same care as cats in our traditional shelter adoption program. They are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and receive a general health exam. They will have their ear tipped to indicate they have been sterilized.

How does an adopter care for these cats?

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.

Contact us about a cat that can work for you

If you have a barn or other safe area and are interested in providing a nontraditional home for a feline in need please contact the shelter at 763-684-1234 or info@crossroadsshelter.org

Please share this info with anyone you know that might need a working cat. We need your help to continue to save lives.

THANK YOU!