Dane County Humane Society occasionally meets cats that aren’t cut out to be a typical house cat. These “working cats” (also known as "barn cats" or “brewery cats”) usually arrive as strays or outdoor cats and they do their best to avoid contact with people. They get extremely stressed when confined and do very poorly in the shelter or home setting.
Our Working Cat program offers a solution for families and businesses that have property in need of natural rodent control while giving these fiercely independent cats looking for an opportunity to thrive.
What Is a Working Cat?
Working cats aren’t suited for life as traditional house pets, but they do incredibly well in environments like barns, stables, sheds, warehouses, workshops, and other outbuildings. In these settings, they can patrol, explore, and live fulfilling lives with a caregiver who provides for their basic needs while helping keep your property’s rodent population under control.
Most working cats are independent and prefer limited interaction with people. That said, every cat is unique. Some may gradually build trust with their caregiver over time, especially through consistent, positive experiences. Many will also form strong bonds with fellow animals, which can reduce roaming and help them feel secure—which is why we recommend adopting working cats in pairs whenever possible.
What Is Provided?
DCHS Provides:
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Ear-tipping (a universal sign that a community cat has been altered)
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) testing
- Microchipping
- Initial vaccinations
- A comprehensive guide to help you successfully transition them to their new home
Plus, you get to choose your own adoption fee.
You Provide:
Working cat adopters commit to providing:
- Safe shelter in a barn, stable, warehouse, business, or similar structure
- Daily food and fresh water
- Litter box cleaned regularly
- Veterinary care as needed
- A secure indoor space for the first 4–6 weeks while the cats acclimate (such as a tack room, large crate, or enclosed room within a barn or outbuilding)
* This initial confinement period is essential. It allows the cats to adjust to their new surroundings and recognize your property as home before being given access to roam.*
Resources & Support
Whether you’re still exploring the idea or ready to welcome working cats onto your property, we encourage you to review our Working Cat Guide. It walks you through:
- Preparing for your cats’ arrival
- Managing the acclimation period
- Setting them up for long-term success
- Encouraging them to stay close to home
- Ways to protect your local, native wildlife from unintended predation
Our team is here to support you every step of the way. By welcoming working cats to your property, you’re providing a safe, purposeful home for cats who need one most. Please also read through the Working Cat Care & Relocation Guide to learn more about the best way to set your new cat or cats up for success!
Interested in Learning More?
To learn more about our Working Cat Program and “hiring” a cat, read our Working Cat Care & Relocation Guide. Then, complete our Working Cat Interest Form or reach out to our Adoption Center at [email protected] with questions.