Employ a Working Cat
Give an unsocialized cat a safe home and a purpose! Working cats help control pests naturally in barns, farms, and warehouses—spayed, vaccinated, and ready to work.
working cat program
Give a Working Cat a Safe Home and a Second Chance
Planned PEThood’s Working Cats program places unsocialized cats, often considered unadoptable by shelters, into environments where their natural hunting instincts can shine. Working cats (or barn cats) are ideal for controlling pests in barns, farms, warehouses, and other spaces where rodent management is needed.
Due to their unsocialized nature, these cats may not thrive in traditional homes, but they are highly effective, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pest control. By adopting a barn cat, you provide a safe environment for them while also reducing the need for harmful pesticides. All working cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and eartipped for identification.
Although there is no adoption fee for our working cats, donations are appreciated to help support the continuation of this important program. Thanks to partnerships with Gwinnett County Animal Welfare & Enforcement and other animal control agencies, we have placed over 1500+ barn cats into working environments, saving them from euthanasia.
Adopt a Working Cat: Submit Your Request
If you’re interested in adopting a barn cat or learning more, click the button below to fill out the form.
See how Planned PEThood’s Working Cat program helped a local brewery with a rodent issue!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about working cats, placement requirements, or how to care for them? Find answers to common questions about our Working Cats program and learn how to provide a safe, suitable home for these natural pest controllers.
What is a “Working Cat?”
Working cats (also called barn cats) are healthy, unsocialized (feral) cats that prefer to live outdoors. These cats have been removed from unsafe situations, usually from shelters that don’t have a way to place them. Entering a Working Cat program literally saves their lives, and putting them to “work” provides them with the kind of life they prefer.
How does a Working Cat work?
Outdoor cats are notorious for bringing home “gifts” to their humans. Working Cats use their hunting instinct to rid your property of small rodents, as well as the occasional bug, snake, lizard, or bird. If your cat isn’t a natural hunter, just the presence of a cat in the area will send critters scurrying!
Will my Working Cat be neutered?
Yes! Your cat will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies and distemper, treated for fleas, and microchipped!
How do I care for a Working Cat?
You will need to provide food and fresh water daily, and a shelter for the cat to stay out of the weather. If the cat becomes sick or injured you will need to take them to a vet.
Do I need to provide yearly vaccinations for my Working Cats?
Rabies vaccination is required by law, so you should make every effort to trap the cat for updates. Availability of a 3-year rabies vaccine makes this easier.
Will the cat bother my chickens or other animals?
Cats are very unlikely to be a danger to chickens; however, peeps would be a tempting target! Other farm animals should be fine.
What if the cat runs away?
We will provide detailed instructions on acclimating the cat(s) to your property. Still, it’s not uncommon for outdoor cats to disappear. When this happens, it’s sad – but remember that you have still saved the cats from a sad fate at a shelter and given them their best chance at living the kind of life they prefer.
Can I get a friendly cat?
Working Cats are chosen because of their inability to be adopted as pets. Once they are acclimated and begin to trust you, it’s possible they may allow (or even enjoy!) interaction with you – or they may not.
Heartwarming Adoption Stories
“We adopted our sweet Rosie from Planned Pethood and had a great experience. The staff was great at explaining how to care for her, got medication for us because she had the sniffles, and were great at communicating. They put a lot of effort in finding the right family for their pets. We love our girl and would definitely recommend working with Pethood if you are looking for a new member for your family.”
– Beca Cardona
“We adopted a kitty through Planned Pethood in February, and we just adore her. Everyone at the shelter was very sweet and helpful, and the process was very easy and affordable for the amount of care they provide for their animals prior to adoption. I highly recommend them for cat adoptions.”
– Lauren Lockerbie