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Working Cats (Barn Cats)

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Working Cats or "Barn Cats" are non-socialized cats that are not adapting to a shelter environment or display behaviors that make them less attractive to adopters. This makes them much more difficult to place through our traditional adoption program. They are usually accustomed to outdoor life and are not suited to be indoor pet companions. These cats are often called “stray” or “feral” and avoid the touch of human hands. They prefer minimal contact with humans and tend to have higher prey drives. They often hunt snakes, rats, or mice, making them an excellent form of natural rodent control.

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Cool Fact: The resident cat at the British Prime Minister's home has been given the title “Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office”. 

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Why Adopt a Working Cat? 
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  • They serve as excellent critter control – even if they are not particularly skilled hunters

  • Studies have shown that just the smell of cats on your property might even be enough to keep mice away

  • They are an eco-friendly solution to your vermin problems

  • They are considered low-maintenance

  • They are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped

  • There is no adoption fee

  • And most importantly, it saves lives!

 

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All working cat adoptions include:

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  • Initial medical exam

  • Initial deworming

  • FVRCP vaccination

  • Rabies vaccination and tag

  • Microchip ID and registration

  • Spay or neutering

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In order to adopt, you must have a valid, government-issued photo ID. This can be a driver's license, passport, or ID card. 

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The release date and time is exactly 72 hours after an animal has been impounded as a stray. N.C. law requires this holding period in order to provide owners the opportunity to reclaim their lost pet. If an animal has been surrendered by the owner, the release date and time is immediate. If the release date and time fall during a time when the Animal Shelter is not open, the animal will be available when the shelter opens on the next business day. 

 

Adoption Hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 11 AM - 4 PM, and Saturday, 11 AM - 3 PM 

Animal services is now offering extended hours from 11 AM - 6 PM on Tuesdays.

The shelter is closed on Sundays except for special events.

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In the following circumstances, staff may decline an adoption: ​

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  • Adopter has been convicted in criminal court for matters related to animal cruelty

  • Adopter has been cited for animal cruelty 

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Working cats available for adoption are labeled "Working Cat".

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