Shelter a cat in your barn, stable, winery or warehouse
What is “Seeking Sanctuary”?
HAWS’ barn cat placement program, “Seeking Sanctuary,” is part of our overall strategy to end cat overpopulation, particularly in the rural areas of Waukesha County. This will also create a long-term solution to cat predation on wildlife.
The Seeking Sanctuary program is designed to give a home to cats that may be untamed, unsocial, or have problems using the litter box. Barns, stables, wineries and warehouses are all great housing alternatives – and can provide benefits to the building owner, including rodent control. In situations without any other resident “barn” cats, we suggest adopting them in pairs, as cats are social animals.
There is no fee for barn cat placement through HAWS, but we gladly accept monetary donations in support of this important program.
HAWS does not recommend rehoming an outdoor cat that is already being provided with care. If you have a happy, already-settled outdoor cat, please call 262-542-8851, x109 for information on HAWS’ FREE outdoor cat spay/neuter program, Project Guardian.
Download: SeekingSanctuary_BarnCats101
What is included in a barn cat placement?
Your “barn” cat will be spayed/neutered, vaccinated for rabies and tested for Feline Leukemia – FIV. Depending on the situation, cats may also receive a FVRCP vaccination, be given a dewormer and checked or treated for fleas and ear mites. In order to identify your cat as one that lives outdoors, it will receive an ear notch and/or a microchip.
While HAWS is unable to provide ongoing vet care for your barn cats, HAWS strongly encourages owners to contact veterinary clinics in their area to find those that care for barn cats. Also, for those cats that are not safely handled, live/humane traps can be rented from HAWS.
Acclimating a barn cat to its new home
Your new cat(s) should be confined for approximately 2-4 weeks. This will allow them to become familiar with their surroundings and know where to go for food and water once allowed to roam free. We suggest using a tack room or an extra-large dog kennel for this process. During the adjustment time, we suggest feeding canned food so the cat will associate the high-value treat with its new feeding place (you do not need to continue to feed canned food once the cat is released). The cat should have access to a litter box even if one will not be used once that cat is released. Place a box or a smaller kennel inside the area facing away from the door; this will give the cat(s) a place to hide and feel safe when you come by to clean and feed.
Releasing your cat
Once your cat(s) is ready to start exploring its new home you can simply open the door and let them roam free. It is import to do this during the daytime so you can observe and watch for any problems that might occur. If you have other cats on the property, they may scuffle and make odd noises during their initial encounters; this is perfectly normal and determines their social order. Within time they will learn to coexist.
Even though your barn cat(s) main job will be to control the mice population, it is still important to offer food and water daily. Cats cannot live on mice alone. Feeding will also keep the cat(s) from wandering too far or finding another barn that offers food. Most cats will have a natural instinct to hunt for mice, so withholding meals will not mean that they will catch more mice. Continue to feed your cat(s) in the same spot and call them when it is time to eat by saying “here kitty kitty kitty.” During the cold winter months, we suggest making a cozy insulated shelter to keep your barn cat(s) warm and safe.
Questions? Need more information?
Please contact HAWS with any questions or concerns! Our staff members will be happy to guide you through the process.
262-542-8851, x111
[email protected]