Barn Cat Program

If you would like to adopt a barn cat or need assistance in trapping feral cats, please email AtascosaAnimalAllies@gmail.com

When Atascosa Animal Allies rescues poorly socialized and feral cats from our community we sometimes have to consider non-traditional adoption placement. The Atascosa Animal Allies Barn Cat Program was instituted in 2019 and was designed to help a specific population of cats – those who may not be comfortable living in a traditional home setting, but would be incredibly helpful and happy as working cats to local homeowners, landowners, and businesses who have a need for pest control. We believe that these cats don’t deserve to die simply because they can’t go into a typical home environment. We recognize that they deserve shelter, access to food and water, and the stimulation of critter hunting that a barn placement provides.

This innovative program serves as their only live path out of impoundment, as these cats cannot be adopted as traditional pets, are not eligible for Trap-Neuter-Return, and, for one reason or another, cannot be returned to their original outdoor habitat, which is always preferable. Without this program, feral cats would be euthanized at local animal control facilities.
Instead, these cats are sterilized, vaccinated and adopted to families who appreciate working cats for critter patrol and can provide a safe, appropriate environment such as a barn, stable, garage, or warehouse. This way, these cats enjoy safe outdoor homes with shelter and a caregiver and adopters enjoy having healthy, sterilized cats happily tending to their mouse, snake, or vermin troubles. Our Barn Cat Program is a win-win for both the cats and the adopters!
Interested in adopting a barn cat and housing some of Atascosa Animal Allies most lovable free spirits?

Frequently Asked Barn Cat Program Questions

How much does it cost to adopt a barn cat?

The adoption fee for barn cats is waived but donations are appreciated. You will be responsible for ongoing veterinary care (as necessary), food, water, and shelter.

What do I do when I bring the cats home?

When you bring the new cats home, they will need to be confined to an escape-proof room or enclosure like a tack room, garage, coop, or XXL dog crate for 3-4 weeks while they acclimate to their new surroundings. You will feed/water and clean the litter pan daily during the confinement period. After this period of confinement, the cats will usually accept their new home and may be released. You will continue to provide daily food and water and allow them access to shelter such as your barn or garage.

Do you have barn kittens?

The youngest cats in the Barn Cat Program are approximately six months old. Atascosa Animal Allies will not adopt younger kittens as barn cats, as they don’t yet have the knowledge, size, or skills to remain safe outdoors. Most cats in the barn program are young adults between one and five years of age, though we do have younger and older cats available occasionally. If you have an age preference, just let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you!

What do the barn cats require?

The cats require shelter in a permanent building or structure like a barn, shed, stable, or garage in a suitable rural area where they will be safe. The property should be at least .5 miles away from busy roads. Daily food and water must be provided, as well as any future medical care needed. The cats must also be kept confined for the initial 2-4 week relocation period to ensure a successful transition to their new home.

Can I come look at, or select, my barn cats?

When you are scheduled to adopt, Atascosa Animal Allies will select barn cats for you based on which cats are the most eager to enter a cat carrier for us. If you have a color, age, or gender preference, we will do our best to accommodate you, though we’re not able to make any promises! All barn cat adoptions are scheduled by appointment since it can take some time and extra staff to round the kitties up.