Working Cats - A Program for Second Chances
The Working Cat Program at the Cheyenne Animal Shelter is a unique initiative aimed at providing a second chance for cats who are not well-suited to living in a traditional home environment. This program works by placing cats who are not socialized or have a strong independent streak in businesses, barns, or other outdoor locations where they can live out their lives as working cats. The cats are given food, water, shelter, and all the necessary medical care (spaying/neutering, vaccines, etc.) in exchange for their work, which usually involves keeping rodents and other pests at bay.
Make no mistake, while these cats don’t always enjoy the typical human-pet relationship, there can certainly be a special bond between them and the humans who they work with. Take Ashes, for example, who joined us at the Shelter and was immediately recognized as a barn cat. Ashes was completely unhandleable by our staff, wanting nothing more than to not be touched and to be by herself outside. Jon and Caitlyn came to us looking for a cat who could help them take care of their rodent problem in their barn. When they picked her up, the staff had to wear bite gloves to prevent Ashes from doing any damage.
Ashes was brought to their barn at Argyle Hill Farms and they went through the usual barn cat adjustment process, which includes keeping her confined for 6 or so weeks. Immediately, Jon and Caitlyn could tell that Ashes was much friendlier than your average barn cat. Within two weeks, not only did Ashes rid them of those pesky rodents, but she fell in love with their family, and a strong bond grew between them. Now, Ashes is free to roam both inside and out!
“I really love barn cat programs in general. I’ve seen so many people in the country just letting cats multiply. They can get so sickly and inbred. I love that barn cat programs allow people to adopt healthy, fully vaccinated cats that may otherwise not be given homes due to being perceived as not friendly to people. Worst case scenario, you get a skilled pest eliminator. Best case scenario, you get a skilled pest eliminator AND a cool pet.” - Caitlyn
Many cats that come into animal shelters are under-socialized or have a strong independent streak that makes them less likely to adapt to life as indoor pets. By placing these cats in outdoor locations where they can live on their own terms, the cats can continue to live fulfilling, healthy lives while also providing a valuable service to the community.
The program also provides a unique opportunity for businesses and other organizations to benefit from the presence of working cats. Cats are natural predators and can be very helpful in controlling pests such as rodents and insects, which can be a significant problem for many businesses. By participating in the program and adopting a working cat, businesses can enjoy a pest-free environment while also providing a home for cats that might otherwise have nowhere to go. Overall, the Working Cat Program at the Cheyenne Animal Shelter is a win-win situation for cats and the community alike!
“Our little barn cat still bites us, or attacks the dogs sometimes, but she usually gives a warning first and lets us be her warm spot to regroup with before heading back out into the wind to catch some more mice. Literally, Jon always said he didn’t like cats before we brought Ashes home. Now just look at ‘em.” - Catilyn
You can learn more about our Working Cat and Community Cat Programs by clicking here!
