January 14, 2025 –
The Working Cat Program: Giving Independent Cats a Second Chance
When cats prefer a more independent lifestyle and are not well-suited for traditional home adoption programs, they may find a new purpose through our Working Cat Program. Fondly referred to as “working cats,” these healthy, independent felines can serve as natural pest deterrents on farms, in a warehouse, and on other properties where they can safely reside and live on their own.
What is a Working Cat?
Working cat programs exist throughout the country and through most animal sheltering organizations. Here at NOCO Humane, our Behavior & Enrichment Team looks at every cat’s known history, as well as any behavioral or medical information gathered, to determine the type of home that would best suit their needs. We also take great care to consider the needs and safety of the communities we serve, other animals in the community, and environmental health. While most cats get placed for adoption as a companion cat in a home, some cats that come to NOCO Humane are not well-adjusted to being strictly companion animals, and often prefer to avoid close contact with people altogether if given the choice. Cats like this who have a successful outdoor history are great candidates for our Working Cat Program.
Working cats are seeking adoptive homes outside of city-limits where leash laws do not apply, and can help keep rodent and pest populations at bay. They also benefit from the freedom to explore and thrive in larger, open spaces.
Most working cats that go through shelter programs like ours will be marked with an ear tip on their left ear. While NOCO Humane doesn’t currently offer a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) Program for feral cats in the community, those cats who have been altered and vaccinated by other nonprofit programs will also have an ear tip. This visual shows that they have been vaccinated and altered already, and are best left in the environment if you see them. Ear tipping is an extremely safe and universally accepted practice that is performed while cats are anesthetized during their spay/neuter surgery. This minimally invasive procedure results in little to no bleeding, and heals quickly and painlessly. Most importantly, it saves the cat the stress of being unnecessarily trapped for a second time.
Working Cats Adopted Through NOCO Humane
In order to adopt a working cat, we require that these cats are adopted by an adult who understands their social preferences and can provide them:
- Proper medical care
- Access to safety from the elements
- Access to fresh food and water (though many supplement their food intake through hunting)
We make certain that all working cats adopted are healthy, altered, microchipped, vaccinated, and do not carry diseases that put people, other animals or the environment at risk. We ensure that working cats for adoption, regardless of socialization history, have already had successful experiences with being outdoors or indoor/outdoor.
We have witnessed incredible placements for our working cats, such as breweries, auto-shops, gift shops, and barns/farms in rural areas. Some of the working cats have even formed bonds with the building staff over time.
By adopting a working cat, businesses and property owners gain a natural pest control solution while giving these precious felines a second chance at life. Whether they are patrolling a barn, lounging in a warehouse, or keeping watch at a brewery, working cats continue the age-old partnership between humans and their feline companions.
If you’re interested in providing a home for a working cat, visit https://www.nocohumane.org/adopt-a-cat/. Together, we can help these remarkable cats find the environments they need to thrive!
