What is a working cat?
Some cats thrive in environments that allow them to exercise their independence. These cats, known as working cats, are ideally suited for non-traditional homes where they can live freely and independently. Perfect environments for working cats include farms, garden centres, stables, and rural properties with outbuildings.
Working cats require minimal maintenance compared to typical pet cats. Their essential needs are simple:
- Food and water
- Warm and enclosed shelter
- A caregiver to monitor their well-being
- A sufficiently large and enriched area for exploration
Working cats are excellent for reducing rodent populations. By welcoming a working cat to your property, you provide them with the freedom they crave, a safe place to live, and the opportunity to be themselves. These cats usually prefer to come and go as they please, making them the perfect independent companions.
How do we decide if a cats a working cat?
When a cat arrives, we gather as much information about their history and behaviours. We closely monitor how well the cat adapts to cattery life and observe their interactions with people.
Foster Care and Assessment Some cats that come into our care have enjoyed human companionship previously but do struggle in the cattery environment. We do look at foster home placements for further assessment which allows us to better understand their needs and behaviours in a more relaxed setting.
Determining Suitability for a Working Home If there’s no history of the cat wanting to interact with people, or they don’t respond to continued efforts to help them settle, they may be better suited for a working home environment. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, ensuring each cat finds the most appropriate and fulfilling home.
How do you know if a working cat is right for you?
We strive to match you with a working cat that meets your specific expectations. If you are seeking a feral working cat, we will ensure you are rehomed a cat that has little interest in interacting with people. However, if you would prefer a working cat that enjoys some friendly interaction, we will find you a cat that has previously shown interest in people.
When providing a home for a working cat, it’s important to meet their basic needs to ensure they thrive in their new environment.
Sheltered Area A secure, enclosed sheltered area is essential. Suitable areas must be dry, warm, and provide the cat with privacy. Examples include barns, stables, or large sheds. We do not use crates when settling in our working cats.
Personal Territory Working cats require at least half an acre of personal territory. This area should include plenty of vegetation to create an enriched environment for exploration and comfort.
Food and Water Provide a twice-daily supply of food and water for adult cats, with more frequent feeds for kittens. Continuously feeding them is vital to encourage them to stay in the area and maintain their well-being.
What are the different working cats personality types?
There are different types of working cats, this is based on their personality and sociability. please consider the type of working cat you would be looking to offer a home to when completing your application.
Please note that we carefully allocate each cat to a category based on various factors, including their previous home/behaviours and how they are been whilst in our care. However, once in their new outlet, they may not adhere to the descriptions below and prove to be better suited to one of the other categories. In this case, we will be on hand to help find a solution.
- Category one cat:
These cats will be less socialised than your typical cat and may not enjoy direct interaction with people. They will have demonstrated behaviour to suggest they will need to have access to people and your house. They may still require a shelter away from the house, but they will more than likely try to investigate your home and may even settle there – both of which we would ask prospective owners to understand and kindly allow. The shelter for these cats will need to be near the house. It may be difficult to immediately see why these cats are different from a regular pet cat, but it is very important to understand that these cats may never be happy with contact and would prefer to ‘co-exist’ alongside a household, rather than being a ‘traditional pet’
- Category two cat:
- Category three cat:
Rehoming fee and what's included
Our rehoming fee for a working cat is £50.
Included in this fee are:
- Initial vaccinations
- Initial flea and worming treatment
- Neutering
- Microchipping
We will also provide the following items to help the cat settle into your home:
- Food bowls and a water bowl
- An initial supply of food
- A litter tray
- An initial supply of cat litter
- Blankets, towels and toys
- A cat carrier, which will be used to transport them to their new home and used as a hiding space once they are home.
Although the fee doesn’t cover the cost of the treatment and care your cat will have received, it does go a long way towards helping the animals who are still here.