Working Cat Program

A working cat is typically an untamed or wild domestic cat that needs a new home. These cats cannot be placed in the Huntsville Animal Services adoption program due to their particular personality.

Our spayed/neutered and vaccinated working cats are adopted for free for organic rodent control. They can prowl barns, breweries, sheds, garages, outbuildings and gardens hunting for mice, rats, rabbits and other small mammals.

REQUIREMENTS

Working cat candidates must be confined in a secure kennel, room or area for 14 days. The cat must learn its new home, and if turned loose prior to 14 days, they typically do not survive. This is a strict requirement.

You must provide a half-cup per day of quality dry cat food. Cats will continue to hunt even when provided food.

As your cat tames, you should purchase topical monthly flea prevention and apply to the cat’s shoulders. You may use a flea collar if placed snuggly around their neck like a wristwatch, not like a necklace.

Cats prefer to work in pairs and have companionship. We ask that those interested in the working cat program adopt two or more cats.

WORKING CAT PERSONALITIES

Semi-feral: A semi-feral cat has had some contact and experience with humans and has developed a comfort level with humans due to feeding, receiving medical care or similar contact. Semi-feral cats considered for the working cat program are unsuitable as indoor pets. Like social cats, semi-feral working cats make good companions for other outdoor animals, but will likely spend more time hunting for rodents and less time with humans.

Feral: A feral cat lives outdoors and has never been socialized with humans. They are not aggressive when left alone. A feral cat may become more semi-feral in nature in a consistent environment. Feral working cats love to hunt!