Got mice?

 If you have a barn or stable, the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) has a non-toxic solution for you. Save a cat and control your rodent population at the same time through their new barn cat adoption program. 

Sometimes cats cannot live as household companions, yet make excellent barn cats and thrive in that environment. These cats may be shy or fearful of people and prefer the company of other cats and animals. By adopting barn cats, rodent problems can also be controlled without toxic chemicals.

Barn cat types

Generally speaking, barn cats placed through the Wisconsin Humane Society's barn cat program are independent cats who prefer to limit their interactions with humans.  However, the degree to which they keep their distance varies from cat to cat and may change over time.  Even those who prefer to keep their distance may develop bonds with their caregiver after positive encounters with people.  Barn cats often develop strong bonds with other cats, which is why WHS recommends that at least two cats be placed together.

What WHS provides

All barn cats available for adoption are spayed/neutered, ear-tipped, tested for FIV/FeLV, microchipped and vaccinated. When you adopt barn cats, the shelter also provides consultation on how to successfully acclimate them to their new home. Like for all adult cat adoptions at WHS, the adoption fee is entirely waived. 

What you need

• Shelter in a barn, outbuilding, or stable
• Daily food and water - cats cannot live on mice alone
• Ability to provide veterinary care, as needed
• A secure place to keep them for the first 4-6 weeks while they acclimate to your barn (this can be a tack room, large crate or any secure indoor enclosure)

Contact information

If you are looking for barn cats and would like to be notified when a pair is available, please email WHS at [email protected]  you can also fill out an adopter profile at www.wihumane.org to expedite the process. More information about the program can be found at http://wihumane.org/adopt/barn-cat-program.