Owners often view animals as loyal companions, providing comfort and support. Animals can, however, also 
serve practical purposes in some cases. Among these is the working cat program, which aims to provide untamed or wild domestic cats with a purpose and a permanent home. These cats are also known as “semi-feral” or “feral” cats and cannot be placed in The Haven’s adoption program due to their disposition.
The working cat program provides a job or purpose for these wild cats that would likely face euthanasia in animal shelters due to their disposition. The program is beneficial in that it provides cats with happy and healthy lives, while also increasing the number of cats leaving the animal shelter alive. It also helps to keep pests like mice and rodents away from areas where these cats are placed. Importantly, these cats are spayed/neutered and no longer contribute to cat overpopulation.
Cats placed in the program are spayed/neutered and vaccinated. The adoption fee is $50 for approved applicants. Adopters must agree to:
• keeping the working cat(s) in a kennel, or managed area where the cat(s) cannot escape, for 14 days. This is how long it takes for a new cat to adapt to his/her new environment. This requirement is non-negotiable and can be life-threatening if the cat(s) get loose before the 14-day period.
• provide a work environment where the cats have a job where they manage pests like mice or rodents in outdoor areas like barns or sheds;
• feed the working cat(s) 1-2 cups of dry cat food daily;
• prevent the working cat(s) from becoming a nuisance to the public.
TERMS
A semi-feral cat is an unowned cat who lives outdoors. These cats can live near humans since they can become accustomed to their presence. Semi-feral cats have a known food source that is provided by humans on a daily basis. Semi-feral cats are great at helping humans manage pests like mice or rodents on farms and other outdoor structures. This group of cats is also known as “community cats” after they are spayed/neutered and part of a working cat colony. These cats do not make suitable indoor pets as they enjoy hunting and exploring the outdoors.
According to Alley Cat Allies, a feral cat is an unsocialized outdoor cat who has either never had any physical contact with humans, or human contact has diminished over enough time that she is no longer accustomed to it. Most feral cats are fearful of people and are not likely to become lap cats or enjoy living indoors. There is typically no food source provided by humans. This group of cats is also known as “community cats” after they are spayed/neutered and part of a working cat colony. Like semi-feral cats, feral cats love the outdoors and love to hunt. They do not make suitable indoor pets.
Please contact us at info@havenforanimals.org or call us at 251-929-3980 if you are interested in adopting a working cat.