Working Cats

“Will Mouse in Exchange for Room and Board”

As in most areas, both rural and “in town”, we have a number of free-roaming cats in Wayne County, though there are fewer of them each year with CCAW’s ongoing TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) Program. 

Many of these community cats are feral and skittish and not adoptable as indoor pets.  They may do well in a barn, shop, or farm setting, however.

This is where our Working Cats program comes in.

At no cost, we can provide you with healthy spayed/neutered cats that have received a rabies vaccination and will keep your property free from rodents, and in exchange you provide food, shelter, and care.  This program not only controls pests, but it also saves the lives of cats that have few placement options and are otherwise homeless.

The cats can be transported to their new location right after they’ve been spayed or neutered.  In order to acclimate the cats to their new surroundings and be sure they are fully recovered from surgery, they should be confined with food, water, a litterbox, and shelter for a week or more.

When you feel they are ready to be released, feed the cats inside the enclosure, leave the door open, and allow them to leave the crate on their own.  Leaving the crate door open and continuing to feed them inside for additional days ensures they will stay on your property.  Continue feeding them in the general area, preferably at the same time each day.  We recommend only leaving out enough food that the cats can finish in one sitting.  Leaving out more can attract other cats and wildlife.

They will generally find their own shelter on your property, but you are welcome and encouraged to provide DIY shelters or cat houses.

Working cats can travel long distances and while they typically won’t be approaching humans, it’s a good idea to let your neighbors know they are around.  They’ll have one ear tipped, which indicates they have been spayed or neutered.

If you’d like more information, please call 435-425-2050.